Traditionally, schools have often made decisions about instruction, discipline, and other schoolwide policies without youth involvement. And yet, research suggests that when students have choice, control, and leadership opportunities, their motivation and engagement increase, which in turn is linked with better educational outcomes. This new guide…

This chapter recounts the first 3 years of the Student Voice Collaborative (SVC) in New York City, a district supported student leadership initiative that engages high school aged youth in school reform work at school and district levels. Based on his experiences developing and running the SVC, the author identifies nine design and implementation…

Reflecting an international trend, Australian education policy increasingly charges schools with fostering active citizens who have the will and capacity to improve the democratic fabric and drive needed social change. This policy prescription also resonates with some teachers' critical commitments to pedagogical practices that encourage young…

This book describes Character Development and Leadership Training in the School and Community, a high school course instituted at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, New York in 1983. It was written to help other educators interested in implementing similar student leadership programs. The developer of the program explains some of his reasons for…

Describes the planning, implementation, and effects of a psychoeducational leadership training program designed for 15 high school girls elected to student council. Discusses how the program resulted in greater self-confidence and leadership among the participants and the assumption of greater responsibilities by council members in subsequent…