Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: It′s Time to Listen
I. Listening
1. Student Aspirations
Dreaming and Doing
The Aspirations Profile
2. The Aspirations Framework
Guiding Principles
Conditions in Schools
Learning to Listen
II. Learning
3. Reality is Not the Enemy
Listening to Learn
Ignorance of Reality is the Enemy
Listening Broadly
4. Students Speak About Self-Worth
Condition 1: Belonging
Condition 2: Heroes
Condition 3: Sense of Accomplishment
5. Students Speak About Engagement
Condition 4: Fun & Excitement
Condition 5: Curiosity & Creativity
Condition 6: Spirit of Adventure
6. Students Speak About Purpose
Condition 7: Leadership & Responsibility
Condition 8: Confidence to Take Action
III. Leading
7. Students as Co-Leaders
The Current Cacophony
8. The Context of Leadership
Aspirations and the Whole Child
Aspirations and Maslow′s Hierarchy of Needs
Aspirations as Curriculum
Aspirations in the 21st Century
9. From Student Voice to Our Choice

About the Author

Dr. Russell J. Quaglia is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of education, known for his unwavering dedication to student voice and aspirations.  Dr. Quaglia has been described by news media as America′s foremost authority on the development and achievement of student voice and aspirations.  His innovative work is evidenced by an extensive library of research-based publications, prominent international speaking appearances, and a successfully growing list of aspirations ventures.

Among these ventures, Dr. Quaglia authored the School Voice suite of surveys, including Student Voice, Teacher Voice, Parent Voice, and iKnow My Class.  His recent book, Student Voice: The Instrument of Change published by Corwin is already receiving international acclaim. 

In addition to founding and leading the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, Dr. Quaglia also founded and currently chairs the Aspirations Academies Trust, a sponsor of primary and secondary academies in England built upon his aspirations research.  Most recently he has founded the Teacher Voice and Aspirations International Center, dedicated to amplifying the voice of teachers in order for them to realize their aspirations and reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Quaglia earned his bachelor′s degree at Assumption College, a masters degree in economics from Boston College, and master of education and doctorate degrees from Columbia University, specializing in the area of organizational theory and behavior. He has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in humanitarian services for his dedication to students. Dr. Quaglia′s work has also led him to serve on several national and international committees, reflecting his passion for ensuring that students′ and teacehers’ voices are always heard, honored, and acted upon.

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See Russell′s Presenter Profile

Listen to Russ Quaglia′s Interactive EdChat on Student Voice

Michael J. Corso, Ph.D., former high school teacher turned adjunct professor of education and administrator, has been the Chief Academic Officer for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations (QISA) for 15 years. In that role he provided professional development and training in Aspirations and Student Voice theories and frameworks to thousands of educators and students in hundreds of schools. Out of those experiences he co-authored numerous books and articles on the subject of School Voice, including Student Voice: The Instrument of Change (Corwin 2014) and Aspire High: Imagining Tomorrow′s School Today (Corwin 2016). While he is still connected to QISA as a special consultant, he has decided to return full-time to the high school classroom. While many in education move from practice to theory or policy, Mickey has chosen to move from consulting back to the classroom. This blog is a weekly window into his journey of trying to practice himself what he has preached to others for over two decades as a researcher and PD provider.

Reviews

"Student voice is an often missed element of promoting a positive school climate, where students take ownership of their learning experience. This books sheds light on the importance of this topic and provides practical advice on how to let student voice take a central role in promoting learning at school."
*Pablo Zoido, Analyst*

"This book speaks to a movement that many people talk about but few act upon, Student Voice. Russell Quaglia and Michael Corso have lived their professional careers listening to students and acting on what they have heard. Now they share what it takes for education to truly become student-centered."
*Raymond J. McNulty, Dean of the School of Education*

"I just finished reading Student Voice. Words cannot accurately capture my impression. It is simply the best education book I′ve ever read. I′m blown away by the quality, humility, simplicity and complexity, and call to action."
*Robert Neu, Superintendent*

"Schools have long told students to have goals and aspirations. But when it comes down to it, test scores and Adequate Yearly Progress stand in the paths of schools and students. This book lays out clearly that what students desire and what states require do not have to be mutually exclusive. I can’t wait to share Student Voice with my colleagues."
*Lisa Brewster-Cook, English Teacher*

"Students routinely achieving their full potential, high performing schools becoming the new normal – Student Voice makes the compelling case that we can’t get there from here without fundamentally changing the culture of schools to listen and act on what students say about their schools, their lives, and their aspirations. Refreshingly straightforward, this book provides a unique mix of profound truths and practical guidance for transforming education."
*Anthony Jackson, Vice President for Education*

"If you haven’t considered student voice, then this book is a must read with great ideas and insightful stories that should engage you further and might just influence your practice. If you’re already committed to student voice, then this book provides compelling evidence and vital structure that place student voice and aspirations front and center in education, a must-read aid to planning and implementation.   As we seek to increase schools’ relevance in an ever more rapidly changing world, this book outlines and details a model for the way forward. Quaglia and Corso combine evidence from students, guiding principles, and conditions for their implementation in schools, stories from practice and practical notes to assist reflection and development. Written in an accessible and easy-to-read style, they together form powerful positive guidance for teaching and learning, and for change in schools."
*Gavin Dykes, Director*

"Student Voice not only captures the urgency of our professional, societal, and moral imperatives to transform the educational system, but it also provides a thoughtful, thought-provoking, and well-researched framework for ensuring that all of our students can and will pursue and attain their aspirations. With moving stories and insights from students and teachers, heartfelt personal anecdotes, extensive analyses of data, and a deep understanding of the power of shared leadership, Dr. Quaglia and Dr. Corso have crafted a roadmap for the journey all of us as learners seek to travel—the road on which the voices of our students are the instruments of change in creating the future. Student Voice connects the dots of what too often seem to be disparate research about and facets of the elements of student achievement of academic, social, and personal aspirations and offers a comprehensive and coherent road to actualizing deep, meaningful, and sustainable change."
*Beth Havens, Educational Consultant for Innovation and Special Projects*

"Student Voice is the result of many years of experience working with students and teachers around the world – and it shows. Drs. Quaglia and Corso have stuffed every nook and cranny of this book with practical ways to understand young people that are both sensible and profound. This is your go-to field guide for student aspirations."
*Adam Ray, Pearson Foundation*

"This book captures the essence of what has been missing in educational reform for the past several decades, in that it highlights the perspectives that matter most—the students’. Having witnessed the transformational potential of inculcating the Aspirations Framework into a school, "student voice" will forever serve as the lodestar in the development of curriculum, instruction, and policy in my professional practice. The Aspirations Framework opens the door to this new era in education; in fact, student voice is the "McLuhanian" medium that will transform education in the 21st century, only if we, educators and society as a whole, take the time to listen."
*David E. Reilly, Assistant Superintendent*

"Quaglia and Corso champion student voice in this beautiful and inspirational narrative. This book provides a career-changing framework for educators to listen, learn, and lead; driven by the most important voice of all. My personal Aspiration is now to dream and do more to elevate student voice. Student Voice is a MUST READ for every educator seeking to meaningfully impact the lives of students."
*Dr. Lisa Kinnaman, Co-Director*

"Student Voice reveals the secret to turning schools into vibrant communities of engaged learners – simply and profoundly – giving students a voice in their own learning. It offers a hopeful, poignant and elegant vision for closing the gap for the alarming number of students who are disconnected from school. Quaglia challenges educators to value student voice through intentional listening and responsive action and tells them how to create meaningful partnerships that keep students engaged, excited, and achieving. This is a must-read roadmap for reform-weary educators who will be inspired to take the less traveled path of listening to and responding to the voice of each of their students."
*Gail Connelly, Executive Director*

"In this book, Dr. Quaglia and Dr. Corso offer a successfully tested framework designed to empower students by giving them a meaningful voice in the educational process. It starts with a conversation that leads to an understanding of student perceptions of their educational experience and ultimately creates a trusting partnership between students and educators. The partnership guides the educational process, positively influences school climate and creates an environment in which students can successfully achieve their aspirations. Student Voice is a professional investment every school community should make."
*Steve York, Assistant Superintendent*

"In this magnificent book, Quaglia and Corso have unearthed a deep missing piece in learning. The elephant in the room, ironically turns out to be Student Voice! And now we have it-their aspirations, the 8 conditions of deep learning relating to self-worth, engagement, and purpose. Thanks to the authors we have a whole new set of strategies where change, learning, educators and students merge.This is innovation at its best."
*Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus*

"Deliberate Optimism is what every teacher needs before the start of school, in the midst of the longest months of teaching, and at the end of the academic year.  The work of Silver, Berckemeyer and Baenen is insightful, uplifting and engaging!  The book is inspiring and reminds all educators they are in control of their own happiness and can transfer that happiness and optimism to students."
*Dr. Russell J. Quaglia, Founder*