High school students as stakeholders in school-wide decision making: Reality or rhetoric.

Abstract

This study examines one school culture in terms of information gathered from individual students and focus group interviews. The study attempts to answer a critical question: What is the scope of involvement for high school students in school-wide decision making?

Results indicated that students have definite ideas about their high school and the changes taking place. Students openly shared their concerns. Specific patterns included growing hostility, security fears, the need for strong discipline, the shortage of school supplies and books, and the need for more electives. The students indicated there was, in general, some effort to include them in decision making.

It is indicated in the literature that high school students are excluded from decision making (Bullough 1988). Students appear to have been left out of discussions on strategies to solve problems in this school. A democratic change process with the major objective on school renewal was begun.

The research method which guided this case study was qualitative naturalistic. Data sources included individual and focus interviews, observations, and documents. The population consisted of 140 high school students (85 females and 55 males) in grades 9 through 12 from both advisory and leadership classes. Nine students were interviewed. Twenty-one students formed three focus groups and were interviewed. The remaining 110 students formed committees and were observed by the researcher.

The baseline data may be used to inform school personnel of ways to employ democratic and inclusive practices involving students in school-wide decision making. Findings can add to the body of knowledge related to school reform efforts that prompt educators to reach out and expand school boundaries to include students in the decision making process.