Student Empowerment

The research on student-centered learning may surprise you. Student choice isn’t the biggest motivator. Here are insights gathered from the latest research on student agency.

“Our job is not to prepare students for something. Our job is to help students prepare themselves for anything.”

A.J. Juliani

Crowdsource Workshops on Student Empowerment

Upcoming Crowdsource Workshops

Charting the Course: Defining Your School's Graduate Profile for Holistic Readiness
Workshop Date:
May 8, 2025

Charting the Course: Defining Your School’s Graduate Profile for Holistic Readiness

This workshop dives into the heart of a thriving school–a shared vision for student readiness. We’ll explore how to create a holistic graduate profile that balances essential skills, positive dispositions, and deep knowledge, ensuring all students are prepared for success beyond graduation …
No posts found.

Toolkit Resources for Student Empowerment

Become an IB World School: Primary Years Program

Become an IB World School: Primary Years Program

/
The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for children aged 3-12 …
Become an IB World School: Middle Years Program

Become an IB World School: Middle Years Program

/
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) is for …
Become an IB World School: Diploma Program

Become an IB World School: Diploma Program

/
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is for students …
Become an IB World School: Career-Related Program

Become an IB World School: Career-Related Program

/
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Career-related Program (CP) is designed for …
Diverse group of smiling children with theirs arms across each other's shoulders while outside.

Understanding Community Schools

/
What are community schools? Why should I consider this model? …
How To Build a Culture of Mind, Heart, and Spirit: 4 Ways Leaders Can Support Their Team & School

How To Build a Culture of Mind, Heart, and Spirit: 4 Ways Leaders Can Support Their Team & School

/
Embedding school identity in instruction, setting positive expectations, and embracing …

Student Empowerment encompasses a student-centered experience, guided by individual interests, self-knowledge, and agency. Learning approaches, including universal practices and additional supports, are molded by student voice and choice. An engaging, inclusive environment empowers every student. Self-reflection and goal orientation are integral components of their regular learning journey, fostering a sense of ownership and active participation in their educational growth.

Reflection Prompts for School Leaders

  • Are your students empowered to change your school for the better?
  • Are students encouraged to advocate for what they need when they need it?
  • What do your students feel empowered to do as leaders? What barriers are in their paths to feeling empowered?
  • Envision your students one year in the future– what schoolwide initiative would you like to see your students leading?
  • Reflect on what you are already doing schoolwide to empower your students. What could you do in the coming month to ensure your students feel empowered? In the coming year?

Points of Emphasis

  • Students who feel empowered are prepared to learn. Effective learning stems from deep engagement, which relies on strong connections. These connections are built when students feel a strong sense of belonging.
  • Historically and currently, there are students who feel empowered while others do not.
  • Arguably, the two most important student outcomes in the K-12 system are (a) developing a sense of purpose and self-awareness, and (b) fostering the ability to take ownership of their own learning.

Stay in the Loop

Subscribe to Our Newsletter