Student/Adult Partnerships represent the transformation of learning, teaching and leadership throughout schools based on fostering and sustaining equitable, respectful relationships between all ages of learners and all adults, anywhere throughout the education system.
What They Are
The first framework for Meaningful Student Involvement is that of Student/Adult Partnerships. Their importance cannot be overstated. However, before understanding what they are, it is important to understand what Student/Adult Partnerships are not. (Oldfather, 1995) Student/Adult Partnerships are transformative, empowering, enlivening and engaging for everyone involved. They are built on the principles of trust, respect, communication, investment and involvement. They are not tokenistic, disenfranchising, equal or opportunistic.
What They Do
Following are several aspects of Student/Adult Partnerships:
- The first is a typology of different relationships between students and adults today, along with different ways adults identify with students in schools today;
- The second aspect is made of elements of Student/Adult Partnerships;
- The third aspect offered is the difference between meaningful and un-meaningful student involvement. The forth aspect are principles designed by students working with adults. When potential partners understand these aspects, they can form Student/Adult Partnerships that are sustainable, effective and meaningful for everyone involved.
Parts of Student/Adult Partnerships
- Elements of Student/Adult Partnerships
- Principles of Student/Adult Partnerships
- Student/Adult Partnership Activities
Examples
Related Content
- Meaningful Student Involvement Toolbox
- Adult Perspectives of Students
- Types of Relationships between Students and Adults
Elsewhere Online
- “Supporting Students as Active Partners in Their Own Education Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination“. The Special Edge. (28)1. Autumn 2014. California Department of Education.
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