Agility and diversity are more important than ever.

FACT: Student demographics and the workplace of the future are changing rapidly.

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To embark on the journey of creating a Super School that’s innovative, and engaging, and prepares students for a thriving future, you have to start by understanding young people. For more information and inspiration, download the full module.

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“You will set yourself up for failure if you arrive at a place believing you have all the answers without talking to the people who have lived there.”

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What can we learn from adolescents?

Listening to young people’s authentic perspectives is incredibly important.

after all, they’re the ones our schools must serve!

It is empowering to adolescents when they feel adults are authentically engaging them in the decisions that affect their lives.

Youth perspectives must inform all aspects of your work.

Young people need an engaging, high-quality learning environment in order to grow. How will you discover what features an environment like this should include? What roles will adolescents play in creating such an environment? What do young people think about the schools that are currently available to them? Consider what opportunities young people in the community you wish to serve might already envision for their future, and think about what cognitive and life skills they’ll need to reach their goals. Where—besides school—are young people in the community learning? What types of experiences are available? What patterns do you see?

The voices of adolescents provide valuable insights. They are necessary in designing the blueprints for the schools that will serve them. XQ Schools will help young people invest in their own learning, identify their aspirations, and create pathways to success in and out of school. How can we empower young people to contribute to conversations about education? How can we encourage adults to listen deeply to young people?

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