Student Agency

Category : Ensuring Equitable Access and Implementation

Level : Student

To what extent do students shape and determine how they spend their in-school and out-of school time?

Student agency requires students to think, question, pursue, and create their own learning and determine how they will use this knowledge to make sense and engage in the world. By developing critical understanding and skills, students become more competent learners in and out of school and are better prepared to succeed in school, postsecondary learning, the workplace, and life. Student agency provides students with opportunities to shape their schooling experience, feel connected to school life and community, and develop positive and caring relationships with all members of the school and community.

• Students have access to more and better learning time schools with curriculum and structures that reflect and are responsive to their lives and interests.
• Students value the knowledge and skills that they are working to acquire and find them relevant and interesting.
• Students are motivated to engage in their learning and believe that their efforts will pay off.
• Students believe they can achieve their goals.
• Students feel confident and safe to explore new things and ask questions.
• Students have the opportunity to apply new understandings to different contexts.