Nora’s response was simple yet profound. She explained that students, like anyone else, need to feel valued and respected in order to fully engage. When students are included in decision-making processes as equals, when their ideas are taken seriously and implemented, they will rise to the occasion. But when they are treated as token participants or their input is dismissed, they will respond in kind. They will not take the process seriously because they do not feel that their voice truly matters.
It’s a simple concept, really. If we want students to engage meaningfully, we need to treat them as equals, as partners in the process of redesigning education. We need to empower them to take ownership of their learning and their school experience. When we do this, we will see students rise to the occasion, contributing valuable insights and ideas that can transform our education system for the better.
So, as we continue to work towards building a future-ready H3 education system, let’s remember the power of student voice and empowerment. Let’s involve students as true partners in the process, valuing their input and ideas. Let’s create a system that instills trust, relevance, ownership, and confidence in our students. When we do this, we will create a truly transformative education system that prepares all students for success in the 21st century and beyond.
And who knows, maybe one day, student-led board meetings like the one at One Stone will be the norm, not the exception. Maybe one day, students will be driving the process of education redesign at every level, shaping a system that truly serves their needs and empowers them to thrive. That is the future we are working towards, and with the power of student voice and empowerment, I believe we can make it a reality.
Expeditions: Deep dives into specific interests or skills, such as photography, storytelling, or coding, led by student and community experts.
Passion Projects: Individual or group projects that allow students to explore their passions and interests in depth, with the support and guidance of coaches.
Real-World Internships: Opportunities for students to work alongside professionals in a field of interest, gaining valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Community Service: Giving back to the community through service projects and volunteering, learning the importance of empathy and social responsibility.
Through these varied learning experiences, students at One Stone are empowered to take ownership of their education, explore their interests, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. As Marley explains, “It’s not about what you’re doing, it’s about how you’re doing it. It’s truly about the process and how you’re growing as a person.”
Empowered to Lead
In addition to meaningful learning experiences, students at One Stone are also empowered to take on leadership roles within the school and the community. Through the Student Leadership Council, students have a direct impact on school policies, programs, and initiatives. They have a voice in decision-making processes and are encouraged to lead by example.
As third-year student Evan puts it, “One Stone has given me the confidence to believe that I can make a difference in the world. I never thought of myself as a leader before, but here I am, leading projects and making real change in my community. It’s empowering to know that my voice matters and that I can help shape the future.”
The culture of empowerment at One Stone is palpable, with students taking ownership of their learning, exploring their interests, and leading by example. As Celeste Bolin emphasizes, “Believing in the power of students means giving them the trust and the belief that they can make a difference. And when you do that, students will rise to the occasion and exceed all expectations.”
In conclusion, student empowerment at One Stone is not just a buzzword or a lofty goal – it is a lived reality, where students are valued, respected, and given the agency to shape their own education and future. As Nora aptly puts it, “Students will step up when they feel their input is genuinely valued.” And at One Stone, that is exactly what happens every day. She interned with a local law firm that specialized in environmental law and worked on cases related to climate change and conservation. This experience solidified her passion for environmental justice and human rights, and she is now pursuing a career in environmental law with a focus on advocacy and policy work.
For Ella, One Stone has been a transformative experience that has allowed her to find meaning and purpose in her learning. She has developed a deep understanding of her values and passions, and has gained the skills and confidence to pursue her goals with conviction. Through real-world experiences and mentorship, she has found a sense of direction and purpose that she never had before.
One Stone’s unique approach to education has empowered students like Marley and Ella to explore their interests, develop durable skills, and make a difference in the world. By providing opportunities for deep, real-world learning experiences, One Stone is preparing students to succeed in an ever-changing world and to make a positive impact on their communities. It requires a willingness to let go of control and trust in the abilities of young people to take charge of their own learning. It also necessitates a commitment to creating environments that foster trust, belonging, ownership, and confidence in students.
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, it is clear that empowering students is not just a nice-to-have, but a necessity. The stories of Ella, Marley, and Nora demonstrate the transformative power of student empowerment in action. By believing in the power of students and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed, we can create a more equitable, innovative, and student-centered education system for all.
So let us continue to challenge the status quo, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to truly believe in the power of students to change the world. Because, as these stories show, when we empower students, we empower the future.
Se requiere que los educadores y líderes abracen la incertidumbre y renuncien al control, permitiendo a los estudiantes dar forma a su propio aprendizaje y aprender tanto de los éxitos como de los fracasos.
La promesa de los entornos de aprendizaje H3 no está solo en lo que preparan a los estudiantes para hacer en el futuro, sino en lo que les capacitan para hacer hoy. Creyendo en el poder de los estudiantes, podemos crear escuelas que no solo sean más equitativas e innovadoras, sino también más reflejo del mundo que queremos construir: un mundo donde cada estudiante es valorado, cada voz es escuchada y cada potencial se realiza. Ahora es el momento de abrazar este cambio y confiar en los estudiantes para guiarnos hacia un mañana mejor.
Chad Carlson es el Presidente y Cofundador de One Stone Ventures.
Esta serie de blogs está patrocinada por LearnerStudio, una organización sin fines de lucro que acelera el progreso hacia un futuro de aprendizaje donde los jóvenes se sienten inspirados y preparados para prosperar en la Era de la IA, como individuos, en sus carreras, en sus comunidades y en nuestra democracia. La curación de esta serie está liderada por Sujata Bhatt, fundadora de Incubate Learning, que se enfoca en reconectar a los humanos con su amor por el aprendizaje y la creación.