1. Harnessing Student Voice for School Improvement
Brian Shumate – Superintendent, Medford School District (OR)
Kathleen Smith – Superintendent, Brockton Public Schools (MA)
Sachi Takahashi-Rial – Manager, YouthTruth Student Survey

2. Measures of Effective Teaching Study:
Student survey results are predictive of achievement gains.
Student surveys produce more consistent results than classroom observations.
Research from Stanford’s Gardner Center
Students’ relationships with their teachers and their motivation are linked with their academic achievement.

3. relationships with teachers & peers
STUDENT SURVEY
student engagement
academic rigor
relationships with teachers & peers
school culture
college & career readiness
school safety

4. What makes student perception data actionable?
Quick turnaround
Valid and reliable questions
Meaningful subgroup comparisons

5. Without validated instruments…
What did their answers mean?
Survey Students
In my school, a variety of resources are available to help me succeed (e.g., teaching staff, technology, media center).
You’re left with more questions than answers

6. “I really feel like part of my school’s community.”

7. “I really feel like part of my school’s community.”

8. What makes student perception data actionable?
Quick turnaround
Valid and reliable questions
Meaningful subgroup comparisons

9. Instructional excellence for every student, every day
About Brockton Public Schools
Brockton Public Schools
Gateway City
16,651 students
11 elementary schools
7 middle schools
4,123 student high school
4 alternative schools
Instructional excellence for every student, every day

10. Live. Learn. Lead. About Medford School District
Encompasses 361 square miles in the heart of Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley
14,100 students
14 elementary schools
2 middle schools
3 high schools
4 charter schools
Live. Learn. Lead.

11. What problem(s) are you trying to solve and how has student perception data supported your improvement effort(s)?

13. Compared to other large high schools, students at Brockton High report stronger relationships with peers. Other students in school are friendly to them; they can be themselves around their classmates.

14. Brockton High students report more rigorous instruction on YouthTruth Survey than peers at other large high schools

15. Brockton HS students experience more authentic learning experiences
Typical large high school

16. Prioritizing Student Voice

17. Our Goal is to offer the opportunity for every graduate to have a college transcript!
Early College Partnerships:
Dual College and High School Credit
PAID TUITION! Provided by the district
Bus routes directly to Table Rock
Free bus passes
The YouthTruth survey helped us to show our students were feeling more prepared

18. How have you used student survey results in conversations with others (e.g. school leaders, your board, the community)?