Tomorrow: Young Voices on education

Raising the quality of public education in Rhode Island remains one of the top issues for the future well-being of the state, and a new effort known as Young Voices aims to make students part of the solution. 

Please join us at a huge press conference, as our youth present the results of their extensive survey of the classroom experience of Providence public school students!

January 21st, 11:30AM,

At the RI Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC)

1,685 high-school aged youth-21% of Providence public high school students---were reached through surveying and a series of 17 focus groups.  In order to have a balanced view of the classroom, 149 teachers - 27% of teachers in the target high schools - were also reached through surveys and focus groups. The youth independently conducted all research.

Too often, we make decisions about education reform without the primary consumers of our education system at the table-students.  Lasting, systemic change cannot be achieved without the partnership of young people.  Authentic youth voice, based on real data, is critically needed. This body of work is impressive, not only in its scope, but in its thorough and unique methodology.  Very rarely do we have youth as the driving force for research, designing the survey questions themselves.  This is critical, because when youth frame the questions, we get a whole new body of data to which we would never have had access. More importantly, the youth of Young Voices see this data not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for real change.  They aim to use this data, in partnership with adult leaders, to create needed systemic reforms.  Through upcoming Education Forums, they will make sure their voices are heard by government leaders, school administration, educators, and every group that can influence their daily experience in the classroom, and ensure their access to a quality education."  - Warren Simmons, Executive Director, Annenberg Institute.

We would love for you to be there. 
Please contact Karen Feldman at kfeldman1@cox.net to RSVP