Robbinsdale youth council urges schools to prioritize student–teacher relationships, follow-through on programs

The Robbinsdale 281 Youth Council told the school board Monday that stronger student–teacher relationships, clearer staff identity and bias work, and more engaging classroom lessons should be central district priorities.

The students, drawn from Armstrong and Cooper high schools and supported by staff including youth enrichment coordinator Nicole Plagay and teacher/coach Anne Beaton, described a year of research that included analysis of district survey data, visits to four schools and live surveys with entire grade-level audiences. They recommended the board and administration adopt the council’s three priorities in school improvement plans and use them to guide program selection and professional development.

“The mission…is to work on behalf of district 281 student body to improve the overall experience of every student by incorporating youth voices into the decision making process,”…