Teachers in student-powered classrooms work closely with students to help them navigate changing academic, social, and emotional needs. By increasing opportunities for educators to empathize with students and involve them in change, classrooms become healthier and more joyful learning environments where students are engaged and deeply connected to one another. Rather than increasing teachers’ workload, this approach offers a different way of working in your classroom.

“I wish I could scream it from the rooftops like ‘y’all, this is worth it.’ Take the time to do this. The proof is there, and they are asking for it. If a kid is asking for it they will be so invested; if that’s where you go, you know it.”

—Ms. Perro, humanities teacher

 “My principal is blown away, you know, because this kind of thing doesn’t happen at our school. In the past, students used to not care about assessments, and now, at the end of this year, some kids sat there for two, three hours and they passed the test. Almost 95% of my kids passed.”

—Ms. Ashby, algebra teacher

“The air feels different. You can see how students take ownership in their learning; the environment feels good. There’s a buzz in how students are working or engaging. There’s also a sense of focus and attention.”

–Manny Algarin, instructional coach

“Sometimes as teachers, we miss things that are very important. It’s very powerful for students to lead the charge because it’s easy to get kind of stuck in what we do and how we do. When students bring fresh eyes, perspective, and a voice, it’s only going to make education better.”  

–Heather Zahr, AVID coordinator

Community Design Partners offers workshops, design sprints, and comprehensive improvement projects to support Student-Powered Improvement in any context.