The Voice: How Design Thinking Infused Student Voice Throughout a DC School

Imagine a school where students co-design lessons, join every staff meeting, and choose projects based on needs they identify in their own community. Columbia Heights Educational Campus is doing all this, and more. Hear directly from students how design thinking has infused student voice and choice throughout the school.

1. Implement strategies that promote authentic and consistent student engagement. 2. Shift adult mindsets to see students as true co-collaborators. 3. Intentionally identify the students whose voices are not currently being heard, and let them know their voice is important. 4. Understand how student voice and choice is a strategy to promote equity across the whole system, in school and in the broader community.

Presented by

Krishunda Penn Pearson

Redesign Director

Columbia Heights Education Campus

I have been in education for 17 years. I have transitioned from a classroom math teacher, to math coach, to Director of the NAF Computer Science and Engineering Academy, and now to the XQ Redesign Director. I am Passionate in making education relevant and equitable for all.

Maria Tukeva

Principal

CHEC