Youth Speak Out
At the Education Town Hall for Youth, over 150 young people told Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chancellor Michelle Rhee what students think is needed to improve the public school system. Young people know first hand what it’s like in our public schools, and their perspective and ideas are critical as the city works to improve education.
Town Hall participants discussed four questions:
Question 1: What are the top five qualities you want in a teacher?
| Youth want to be challenged: "A teacher that wants you to succeed---one that is tough on you." |
Based on the feedback collected, the top five qualities young people want in a teacher are:
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Respectful and Caring – Many of the young people reported that having a teacher who respects and cares for them makes a big difference in the classroom.
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Intelligent – Young people reported their frustration with having teachers who are not knowledgeable in the subject matter they teach. Students said that having a teacher who "knows what they’re talking about" is important.
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Creative – Youth shared their desire to have their teachers make learning fun. Students want their teachers to use a variety of methods of teaching in the classroom, such as incorporating more hands-on projects or being creative in their lessons.
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Passionate – Young people want to have teachers who are passionate about their jobs and who want and like to teach.
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Good communicator – Students reported that they appreciate teachers who are good listeners and who are able to explain things well. This touches not only on the ability for a teacher to teach the material but to build positive relationships with their students.
Of the many things that young students listed, the following three characteristics were the most frequently cited: disrespectful, only in it for the money, and uncaring. Students reported that teachers are rude to them, use profane language when speaking to them, yell for no reason, and are insensitive to students with special needs or who are limited English proficient. Many young people also noted that teachers are most ineffective when they are only there for the money. Students are acutely aware of those teachers who teach to make a difference in a young person’s life and those who are there for the paycheck. Students also respond to whether or not the teacher cares about them. Students say that teachers who do not have good interpersonal relationships with their students or who have negative attitudes are ineffective.
Question 3: What are some of the good things about your school that keep you and others attending?
Participants didn’t hold back from listing all the good things about their school. While students listed over 25 good things about school, the most common were:
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Good teachers – Youth like to attend classes that have teachers who are caring and friendly and who make the classes interesting. Feedback also indicated that having teachers who engage their classes through field trips and through their extensive knowledge in the subjects they teach leads to more interest and participation in school.
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Academics – Math and reading were popular choices for participants when answering this question. Youth also reported that good classes, a good education, and scoring high on exams were among their top favorite things about school.
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| Youth need better facilities: "Some of the classrooms are falling apart. We are getting our roof done but there is so much that needs to be fixed before that." |
Extracurricular activities – Whether it’s sports teams or other activities outside of school, young people stay engaged because they enjoy these opportunities and programs.
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Friends – According to participants, social experiences with peers have a great impact on a student satisfaction. An environment that nurtures healthy relationships among peers or between students and school staff is one that keeps young people engaged.
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Good principal - Many times a caring principal makes all the difference. The principal sets the tone for a welcoming environment and students respond to that. Students reported that a good principal and strong leadership are important.
According to the young people who attended the town hall, the top three things that are missing in schools are: safety/security, better facilities, and better lunches. Students reported that there are many fights at school and that there need to be more effective interventions. Students suggested more cameras, better security staff, and more training for teachers and staff to deal with conflict or "beef" among students. Some students also suggested having security guards in the hours after school ends, including after sports team practices.
| Youth want to be treated well: "Don’t make students feel like criminals." |
The need to have better facilities was the second most frequent response, including requests for newer and cleaner bathrooms or cleaner cafeterias. Students also listed wanting working water fountains; no rats, roaches, or other rodents; working AC and heating; better lighting; and more space.
School lunch was the third-most commented deficiency. Students report that better tasting foods and foods that are more nutritious would help make school a better place to learn. Other issues include: sports, better teachers, new and more technology, gym, sports, extra-curricular activities, diverse/multicultural staff, and textbooks.
Agencies 
