In Our Own Words

If educational reform is to succeed, it must attend to the perspectives of students-those most directly affected by schooling but least often consulted about its efficacy. This is the premise of the first book both to feature student perspectives on school and to foreground student voices; middle and high school students are the primary authors of the eight chapters collected in this volume aptly titled In Our Own Words. Reflecting differences of gender, racial, and ethnic background, and school context, the student authors write passionately and eloquently about their experiences of and desires for school. Through their explorations of topics as diverse as bilingual education, class cutting, teacher bias, race relations in school, what girls need from their education, and innovative curricular models, these student authors not only counter stereotypes of apathetic teenagers but also clearly identify what hinders and what supports their learning. For both the insights offered and the freshness of the students' voices, this collection is a must read for anyone who has a stake in making school a place where students can and want to learn.