Where Are the Students?

In one of our first meetings to build a new district technology plan, I looked around the room and asked our superintendent, “Where are the students?”

Everyone looked a little surprised. We had brought together the people who needed to develop the plan, but the students who would experience technology in their classrooms every day weren’t there.

I explained that if we were going to make a plan for integrating technology into teaching and learning, I wanted students to help shape it. I wanted to hear what was working for them, what wasn’t, and what they thought was possible.

We brought in eight students to help develop the technology plan. Two of them also joined the broader district strategic planning meetings. And when it was time to present the technology plan to the Board of Education, the students did the presenting.

Their insights helped shape a five-year plan they were proud of. As we began putting it into practice, they had a sense of ownership in the work because they had helped build it.

I still think about that meeting. Education decisions are often made by people who care deeply about students. But caring about students and making room for their perspectives are two different things.

The same lesson has followed me through my work in schools, nonprofits, and EdTech. Whether we’re designing a program, building a partnership, or deciding how to serve customers, I believe we have to keep asking: How will this help students succeed? Then we need to listen to the people who can help us answer it—including students themselves.

That may take more time at the beginning. In my experience, it leads to better questions, stronger ideas, and people who feel invested in moving the work forward.

Who needs a voice in a decision you’re making right now?