Preface Introduction: It's Time to Listen I. Listening 1. Student Aspirations Dreaming and Doing The Aspirations Profile 2. The Aspirations Framework Guiding Principles Conditions in Schools Learning to Listen II. Learning 3. Reality is Not the Enemy Listening to Learn Ignorance of Reality is the Enemy Listening Broadly 4. Students Speak About Self-Worth Condition 1: Belonging Condition 2: Heroes Condition 3: Sense of Accomplishment 5. Students Speak About Engagement Condition 4: Fun & Excitement Condition 5: Curiosity & Creativity Condition 6: Spirit of Adventure 6. Students Speak About Purpose Condition 7: Leadership & Responsibility Condition 8: Confidence to Take Action III. Leading 7. Students as Co-Leaders The Current Cacophony 8. The Context of Leadership Aspirations and the Whole Child Aspirations and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Aspirations as Curriculum Aspirations in the 21st Century 9. From Student Voice to Our Choice
Students have plenty of opinions when it comes to school, and they're not all about free ice cream in the cafeteria. When you take time to listen, you'll find that students' aspirations can drive your school toward exciting new goals. And when students know they're being heard, they develop self-worth, engage meaningfully in their own academic success, and become purposeful in their educations. This groundbreaking book presents a blueprint for enacting a successful partnership between educators and students. You'll discover how to: Ask the right questions-and understand how to build from the answers you get Engage students in decision-making and improvement-related processes Implement the Aspirations Framework to guide students toward achieving their full potential Filled with examples drawn from student surveys, focus groups, field observations, and interviews, this unique resource prepares you to lead with the sure knowledge that your students can and will want to join you.