February 17, 2021

Sometimes we know exactly what we want. Sometimes we know exactly what we don’t want. In your program, you can avoid the ho-hums between these extremes with Y4Y’s new course on student voice and choice. But remember: your students need more than just a voice to be inspired. They need your help finding that voice. After all, those frontal lobes are working overtime to develop right now!

Your adventures in student voice and choice begin with a tour of the Y4Y Musicfest with young Stevie. You’ll learn to

• Prepare staff at the Rock and Roll Stage.
• Create a safe environment for student voice at the Country Stage.
• Capture student voice and choice at the Pop Stage.
• Embed student voice and choice throughout each activity at the R&B/Soul Stage.
• Assess and reflect on implementation at the Jazz Stage.

After completing the Implementation Strategies portion of the course, you’ll receive an Advanced Level certificate and be able to

• Define student voice and choice.
• Describe how to create a program environment that honors student voice and choice.
• Develop a program schedule of activities that honor student voice and incorporate academic needs.
• Utilize strategies for honoring student choice.
• Access tools and resources for increasing student voice and choice in your program.

Leaders who opt to complete the “Coaching My Staff” portion of the course will earn a Leadership Level certificate and be able to

• Train staff to integrate student voice and choice across program activities.
• Create a professional learning plan for staff.
• Use effective coaching techniques while implementing the professional learning plan.

You’ll find the downloadable, customizable tools with this course to be inspired and inspiring!

• Start with the Student Voice and Choice Implementation Checklist.
• Go to tools like the Activity Choice Form and the Concentric Circles Discussion Format for tips on collecting student voice.
• The Activity Choice Form and the Example Activity Schedule will help you ensure student choice.
• Assess your efforts with the Fidelity of Implementation Checklist.

Confucius famously noted that if you choose a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. What he meant was, you might work hard, but you’ll enjoy it more if it’s work of your own choosing. Offering the at-risk students in your program a voice and choice is the educational equivalent of this sage advice. Your 21^st CCLC program should be painlessly fun and enriching even as your students put forth their best effort. This new course will set you well on your way while having your own fun at the Y4Y Musicfest!