Empowering Youth Leadership and Learning in Alaska
Conditions for Learning team
This year, the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) hosted by the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) brought together bright minds to delve into vital educational topics. The main focus was the Statewide School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS), a pivotal tool for assessing the “Conditions for Learning” in schools across Alaska.
Understanding the Conditions for Learning
What exactly are the Conditions for Learning? Drawing parallels with Alaska’s abundant berry harvest, which thrives under optimal soil, sun, and rain conditions, students’ success similarly hinges on certain educational environments. These environments, as identified through educational research and student narratives, are where students feel safe, supported, and engaged. When these conditions are met, just like the berries, students can flourish.
AASB’s Commitment to Enhancing Learning Environments
To foster these conditions, AASB’s Conditions for Learning team offers comprehensive support, including training, resources, coaching, and strategic planning to school districts. The aim is to cultivate environments where learning is not only effective but also enjoyable. This approach is structured around three key pillars:
- Safe: Implementing Trauma Engaged Practices and Culturally Responsive approaches, schools can create environments conducive to calmness and safety, vital for optimal learning and thinking.
- Supported: By nurturing strong Family and School partnerships, a robust support system forms the foundation of students’ educational journeys.
- Engaged: Programs like Youth Leadership Institutes and on-site youth leadership initiatives, along with guidance for life post-high school, ensure that learning is not only meaningful but also resonates with real-world applications.
Measuring Success Through SCCS
The School Climate and Connectedness Survey serves as a critical tool, akin to a rain gauge or barometer, for assessing these learning conditions in schools.
Student Perspectives from YLI
At the heart of YLI were the students themselves. Sophomore Christopher Alexie from Joann A. Alexie Memorial School (JAAMS) in Atmautluak was one of the many student attendees from communities across the state who shared their experiences. The event was a engaging exchange of ideas, where students like Christopher collaborated on envisioning an improved school climate. This process involved roundtable discussions with board members, focusing on challenges within their schools and brainstorming potential solutions. Key issues such as mental health, school engagement, and self-care were at the forefront of these discussions.
The vision for JAAMS, as articulated by these young leaders, is a testament to the impact of the YLI. They aspire to create a positive and inviting school climate, with initiatives like more assemblies and roundtable discussions with local leaders, underscoring the power of dialogue and community involvement in shaping educational experiences.
As we move forward, the insights and initiatives emerging from the Youth Leadership Institute and the SCCS offer a promising pathway towards enriching the educational landscape in Alaska, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in an environment tailored for success.