Students are the central focus of schools, the ones learning and attending daily, but they often don’t get a say in how schools work. Allowing students to plan and make decisions for their own education could make school a better environment, not just academically, but as a whole.

In my last two blogs, I discussed the reasons why students are declining intellectually, as well as President Trump’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education. In this blog, my goal is to shift to the perspective of students. What do students hope to gain from schools, and what changes should be made in order for these goals to be accomplished? What is your ideal school like?

In schools around the world, state boards and departments of education set the guidelines and standards. Although some classrooms get student feedback to make learning better and more efficient for students, many don’t, and this can cause students to feel excluded and invalidated. When students feel like their opinions don’t matter, it can often affect their effort and motivation to try in school.

Research shows that students earn better grades and attendance rates when adults are responsive to their ideas and concerns. Students feel involved and respected when their ideas are addressed; therefore, they choose to put the same respect and effort into their schoolwork. Students can also expand their communication and confidence skills by addressing issues in schools with their teachers and coming to a solution.

Allowing students this new freedom in their education can also have beneficial effects on their future. Students who begin to advocate for themselves and their education at a young age are actually proven to be more likely to vote.

Considering the current situation, it’s clear that students’ involvement in their education, no matter whether the impact is good or bad, brings many benefits. Participating in open conversations to tackle educational issues is important and helps improve our education system.