Purpose:
I want to bring the voices of those students whom are engaged as full partners in their school systems. In my work, I have found that we need authentic student voices in the national dialogue but traditional student panels rarely produce the intended impact. Usually, those students selected for panels feel they have to perform for the audience and instead of saying the daring observations or innovative ideas, they say only those things they know are “safe.”

My concern is that “safe” conversations rarely affect change and we need change in an urgent way. Students are disconnecting because they are struggling to connect what they do in school with what they do in the world. I use my skills as an actor to incite daring conversations within a learning environment and context.

My technique is often referred to as “documentary theater” since I bring the actual words, voice and mannerisms of those I interview to the stage. I have been working with this technique for 1½ years and finding it to be a powerful adult learning tool because of the rapid internalization of new content.

My goal is to invite and incite participants to return to their schools or organizations and create a systemic mechanism for engaging their students in conversations where decisions are being made about student learning.

Objectives (outcomes):
1. Participants will hear first hand accounts of students engaged in systemic reform alongside educators.
2. Participants will be invited to engage both their minds and hearts in a learning experience.
3. Participants will leave with a written inventory of the student voice mechanisms in their own educational system and at least one new practice to consider applying.

Evidence of Success:
1. Participants enjoy the hour they spend with me and the students.
2. Participants identify one new approach to engaging the student voice.

Outline

Content: Taken from direct interviews, I will perform the voices of at least 4 young leaders who are part of and can influence decision-making around learning. Interspersed between these performances, I will share best practices aligned with my three-part strategy for engaging the student voice: ask, listen, and act with students.
Time: Each performance will be 8-10 minutes; interspersed best practices total will be about 15 minutes, and Q&A for 5 minutes
Process: Participants will engage with characters whom may invite them to interact with them. In addition, every participant will be asked to identify their current practices in the three areas mentioned above and select one new practice to add to their school system.

Supporting Research

1. My own original research in the form of individual interviews
2. NetDay Student Speak Up Day
3. Pew Internet and American Life Project
4. Silent Epidemic - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Presenter Background

Education Fellow - Pop!Tech Conference, 2006
NECC Keynote Presenter, 2005 - "The Natives Are Restless"
Keynote and Workshop Presenter for numerous state and local educational technology conferences (please refer to website for list: www.actwith.com)