Youth Advisory Council: Lead With Love + Speak Truth

Members of the Youth Advisory Council shared their recommendations with the School Board.

Members of the Youth Advisory Council shared their recommendations with the School Board.

The DMPS Youth Advisory Council, or YAC, is a student leadership organization made up of representatives from each of the district’s high schools.

This collective group of diverse student activists aims to empower others to advocate for and influence peer engagement while creating solutions for increased student participation in activities and culturally relevant classrooms across the district.

Mission: Empowering diverse youth to advocate for and influence peer engagement, while creating solutions for increased participation in activities and culturally relevant classrooms across the district.

Vision: To include youth in districtwide decision making that impacts school culture and student engagement.

Outcomes:

  • Students will create district-wide Professional Development for teachers and administrators.
  • Students will create a code of conduct for teacher expectations.
  • Students will assist in the establishment of a transition program for middle school youth entering high school.

At last night’s School Board meeting, YAC members presented their ideas and recommendations for making school more meaningful and impactful for students. Under the mantra of “Lead with Love + Speak Truth,” YAC shared the following suggestions with the Board:

Remixed Learning

  • Use a variety of teaching styles
  • Provide alternatives for showcasing learning
  • Diverse group work

Bridging the Gap

  • Greet us at the door/ high-five us as we leave
  • Relate important topics to our personal interests
  • Humanize our education

Keep it Real (100 emoji)

  • Don’t label us, or have preconceived ideas about who we are or aren’t
  • Get to know us on a personal level, if we can’t quit, you can’t quit
  • We make mistakes, so do you, own them
  • Help us with our learning and give us new opportunities everyday

Creating Safe Space

  • Refer to the days agenda throughout the lesson
  • Thoroughly repeat and explain directions in student friendly language
  • Challenge us with higher expectations and provide occasional workdays

Thank you to the members of YAC for bringing the voice of our students to the School Board’s table.

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