Values Walk

Use this Tool to:   

 gather student voice information to better understand which spaces in the school are most meaningful to students and why.

Pre-Meeting Prep:   

 

 
  • facilitators and administration determine number of student groups to participate 
  • randomly select required number of students and group by grade level (or randomly depending on school size)
  • faciliators to prep a recording tool
  • Administrator to schedule time for values walk and notify staff that students and visitors will be around the building and may be dropping into their classrooms

** this activity must be facilitated by a program specialist or SIS Intinerant; school staff should not be faciliators

Suggested Timing:   

   45 - 60 minutes (adjust time as needed)

Steps:   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Meet group (5-10 min): Faciliatator introduces themselves to their grou and explains the activity they will be completing. Review norms with group to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and that all perspectives are valued. 

2. Conduct the walk (30 min): Students lead the facilitator throughtout the school. Facilitator invites students to show spaces they enjoy spending time in or places they feel connected to. Facilitator may need to prompt the students for additional information. prompts could include.

  • Where do you like to spend time during the school day?
  • What makes this space important to you?
  • How do you feel when you are here?
  • Who typically uses this space?
  • What makes this space welcoming, enjoyable or meaningful?

The facilitator records stduent responses, comments and oberservations. Notes may include:

  • frequently identified spaces
  • reasons students value specific locations
  • common themes, such as belnging, safety, connection etc.
  • unique insights or suggestions shared by students

3. Analyze the information: This is done after the walks are completed. If there was more than one facilitator , compile responses from all groups. Group responses into common themes and patterns. Select student quotes or examples to help illustrate key ideas.

4. Share findings with staff: This is done on another day, usually during PL time dedicated to school development. Faciliatators prepare a summary of the information gathered and share findings with staff to highlight student perspectives on the school environment. Information shared may help inform areas of improvement for the school development plan. 

 

Additional Notes:   

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection question that can be used with staff: What do the places students identified tell us about what they value, need and experience in our school community?