Students to “Speak Out”
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
Grade 9 to 12 students from across the Golden Hills School Division will gather in Carbon April 16 for a student “Speak Out” forum.
These forums are used to invite students to talk about their educational experiences, their learning styles, what is working for them and what they would like to see happen in their schools.
“It’s going to be wonderful,” said Ron Kenworthy, chair of the Golden Hills School Division.
The Speak Out forums have been happening across Alberta every fall and spring since 2008 and are small group discussions between students.
The one being held in in Carbon will feature 80 to 90 grade 12 students from all high schools in Golden Hills.
They will be asked four questions, with three of the questions suggested by the province. Then the board will ask a question about their foundation statement and how they can make it work in the schools.
The questions are: “What does it look like when you’re learning at your best? What is holding you back from learning at your best? What actions can adults take to improve how education looks and feels? and What actions can students take to improve how eduction looks and feels.
“We want to hear from the kids about how we can make education better for them, because they’re the ones going through it,” said Kenworthy. “A lot of times when you talk to young people they can tell you exactly what they need and what changes could help them.”
The forums will be lead by student facilitators who will be trained ahead of time.
Also, the Minister of Education, Dave Hancock is looking for students aged 14 to 19 from across Alberta to serve on the Minister’s Student Advisory Council.
The individuals who are selected will be ambassadors for Speak Out and have the opportunity to take a leadership role to ensure the student voice is heard and considered.