Rights By Students, For Students
The Student Bill of Rights
A Different Kind of Standard
The Student Bill of Rights is a new educational doctrine created to ensure our schools are upholding a truly student-focused approach to education. It is developed by students, for students, and is not a top down mandate, but a bottom-up initiative tailored to every communities' unique approach and needs. We, the Students, feel education reform efforts have generally ignored our voice in the conversation to improve school, and that the solution ought to be inclusive and empowering for students, rather than dismissive and patronizing. Schools and programs can become Student Right Certified through our Student Bill and Edvenger initiative to demonstrate their commitment to student-centered education. Currently we are piloting the Student Bill at a number of schools and programs. If you would like to join our pilot and prototyping phase, we encourage you to reach out at edvengers@thestudentbill.com
The Student Bill of Rights
In order to form a more perfect education, we establish these Student Rights.
Every student shall be entitled all rights set forth in this Bill, without distinction or discrimination on account of race, color, gender, language, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status of themselves or of their family.
Free Expression
The Right to Free Thought, Expression and Speech.
All students are entitled to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to form and hold opinions without limitation and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media. Students have the right to peaceably assemble and petition their grievances.
Safety and Wellbeing
The Right to Safety, Security, Aid, and Healthy Living.
All students are guaranteed protection from harm, aggression or violence; no student may be subject to corporal punishment of any kind – including physical or psychological harm from faculty. Furthermore, institutions must create and maintain a learning environment which ensures mental and physical health and wellness. Students are guaranteed access to aid when their health or security of person is threatened or damaged in any way.
Due Process
The Right to Fair and Just Treatment.
All students are entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of their rights and obligations and of any charge against them. Students have the right to appeal a decision if they have reason to believe their rights are not being upheld.
Learner Centered Education
The Right to Individualized Education, Resources, and Mentors.
All students are entitled to an education that meets their needs and fosters their personality and passion. All students are entitled to an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP), as well as access to a faculty member to help each student navigate their education priorities, aims and outcomes.
Institutional Agency
The Right to Influence Decisions which Affect Students.
All students shall be given opportunity to partake in the decisions and discussions impacting and informing their academic institution. This involvement must entail meaningful engagement and participation, and afford students a say in the direction of their learning environments.
Information and Privacy
The Right to Control and Access One's Information.
All students are protected from arbitrary interference or constraint of their privacy, regardless of circumstance, whether in person, online or within school. A school may not share student records without the prior written consent of the student or their legal guardian. The handling of student information must be a transparent process and the responsible institution must be accessible.
Employability
The Right to Develop Skills for Professional Success.
All students are entitled to learn skills which will benefit their own professional goals and needs; students shall be free to seek and be assisted in carrying out experiential and independent learning endeavors – such that an individual can become employable in their desired field(s) of work.
Civic Participation
The Right to Do Work which Aids Communities and Society.
All students are entitled to do work in their education which can have a positive effect on the world beyond their classroom. Students may pursue projects through their academic institutions as part of their schooling which aim to solve real problems, great and small.
Fair Assessment
The Right to Assessments which are Equitable and Accurate.
All students are entitled to be assessed in a way which best captures their abilities and knowledge. In all cases, students may opt for an alternate assessment (i.e. narrative exam instead of written or multiple choice exam) in order to ensure all students, regardless of learning style and needs, have an equal chance at proving their academic proficiency.
Technology
The Right to Access Adequate Technology.
All students are entitled to technology which is up-to-date and capable of performing the diverse tasks students need. In addition, all students are entitled to Internet access, and access to their own digital devices. Technology must facilitate better learning, and should in all cases improve, not remove the human element of education.
The Edvenger Initiative
We are a group of students and allies who believe Education is the greatest tool for improving the world. Unfortunately we believe this tool, our education, has grown dull and ineffective. So we're out to fix it up. To that end we have developed the Student Bill of Rights, and are seeking to implement it as a tool to refocus education efforts around the Student, and the student's needs. We're a rag-tag group, but any and all are welcome to our ranks to make a better education for all :)
We Are Edvengers
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Education is Everyone's Fight, We Want Your Help.
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