In January, the Alliance for Public Schools collaborated with Superintendent Van Ayres to launch the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) in Hillsborough County Public Schools. The SSAC model represents a powerful collaboration between students, educators, and district leaders and aims to amplify student voices, foster collaboration, and address critical issues within the district.
The SSAC has representatives from all district high schools. These student leaders meet monthly to discuss topics important to the superintendent and his staff. By actively participating in these meetings, students gain insights into programs, policies, and initiatives that shape their educational experience.
For the March meetings, students chose to focus on mental health. This decision aligns with local and national data, which highlight the growing concern around youth mental health in the Tampa Bay region and beyond. During these discussions, SSAC members shared their perspectives and concerns related to mental health.
Key Insights from SSAC Student Leaders
- SSAC members expressed concern not only for their peers’ mental health but also for the well-being of educators. They wanted to know how the district was addressing the needs of adults working in school buildings. Recognizing that educators play a crucial role in students’ lives, the students emphasized the importance of supporting both students and staff.
- Students often turn to their peers before seeking help from adults. Therefore, the student leaders stressed the need to ensure that every student knows how to navigate available support services. By promoting awareness and accessibility, they aim to create a supportive environment where students can seek help without hesitation.
- The SSAC students highlighted an essential point: Supportive services are valuable only if students know about them. To address this, they offered suggestions on how to effectively communicate information about available services. Their goal is to ensure that no student suffers unnecessarily due to lack of awareness.
These student leaders’ concerns coincide with survey results released this month by Morning Consult and McGraw Hill. The global survey found that, in the U.S., 76% PreK-12 teachers said managing students’ behaviors and mental health needs was their biggest challenge. Struggling to keep students engaged was the second-largest challenge for U.S. teachers. Pre-K-12 educators from most of the global regions profiled in the research said student mental health needs was one of their top two challenges.
The Alliance firmly believes that student voice is a critical element in addressing the unique challenges faced by the generation of students affected by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move into the 2024-2025 school year, we remain committed to supporting the SSAC in Hillsborough County. By empowering students to actively participate in shaping their educational journey, we contribute to a more responsive and student-centered school system.
If you would like more information on how to elevate student voice in your school district, reach out to us at info@all4schools.org to learn more.
