THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JOURNEYS SUMMER 2023.

Giving students a voice and involving them in decision-making processes helps create a sense of belonging for students within the larger school community. From providing opportunities for leadership development through peer council to fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment through our interdisciplinary unit on power and advocacy, opportunities for our students to share their voice are an integral part of our program in the middle school at Singapore American School.

Student Advocacy: How One Middle School Student Empowers Students to Make a Difference

At SAS, students are not only given the opportunity to learn but also to take ownership of their education and make a positive impact on their community. One student exemplified this by identifying an issue that was affecting his classmates: insufficient break time. Eighth grade student Aarav approached the issue by first framing the problem and then seeking workable solutions. This process involved interviewing teachers and students to gauge their perspectives on the issue.

With the support and guidance of middle school counselor Ben Robertaccio, Aarav worked to develop a plan to increase break time. He shares, “I reached a simple conclusion of taking two minutes out of each core class and adding to break time. Then, I proceeded to email Mr. Beingessner the proposed schedule changes I wanted to implement.” His efforts did not go unnoticed as Middle School Principal Chris Beingessner agreed to make the changes if Aarav could show widespread support for his plan, and continued to make adjustments to ensure that the plan met necessary middle school criteria.

Aarav then collaborated with the middle school student union to bring about a collective victory, which extended break time and made a positive impact on many middle school students. This effective change demonstrated the middle school’s commitment to work with students, encourage them to take on leadership roles, and empower them to advocate for themselves and their community.

Harm Report in Middle School

The middle school harm report has gained significant attention as a powerful tool for student advocacy. This online form offers a safe space for students to voice their concerns and help shape the school environment they desire. Many students may feel uneasy about approaching teachers or principals with their concerns, but the harm report's anonymity feature encourages students to step forward and seek support. Providing a confidential platform for students to share their concerns, the harm report has become a vital instrument for promoting dialogue and effecting positive change in middle school. Students now have a safe way to get help.

Interdisciplinary Unit: Power and Advocacy

Last semester, SAS’s seventh grade students worked on an interdisciplinary unit exploring the concepts of power and advocacy. As part of this unit, students focused on the question, "How might students argue for change to the SAS school leaders, in order to advocate for their community?" Through lessons conducted over several days, students researched issues, gathered evidence to support their arguments, and created presentations on proposed changes they would like to see at SAS. Selected groups were then invited to present to an audience in a more formal setting.

Here are some questions our students explored:
• Does the school do enough to stop bullying?
• How could the “Grab n Go” food options be more diverse and inclusive?
• Is there gender bias present through SAS’s dress code?
• How could the Booster Booth be accessible to middle school students?

To help students prepare for their presentations, educators incorporated various activities and discussions into their lessons, including role-playing exercises, debates, and small group discussions.

These are some timely and important topics for students to consider, as they push them to think critically about issues that matter to them and learn how to advocate for change effectively. By learning to make a strong argument, students can become more confident and effective advocates for the causes they care strongly about.

Subsequently, six groups of students from the 7B learning community had the opportunity to present their proposals to administrators, educators, and their peers during a culminating event in the middle school library. This was an exciting opportunity for students to have their voices heard and to make a real impact on their school community. The process also provided middle school principals the opportunity to consider the proposals put forward by the students, which may lead to further discussion and even school changes.

This unit not only helps them develop essential skills such as critical thinking and communication, but it also allows students to learn how they can effectively use their voices to bring about positive change that benefits their peers and the SAS community.

Giving students a voice is crucial to creating a more inclusive, safe, and responsive school environment. At SAS, educators are making strides in this direction, empowering middle school students to become leaders in their community through their work in classes. By fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration, SAS is creating a community of engaged learners who are passionate about making a positive impact on their school and the world around them, and who have the tools to do so.