Students at the Philadelphia Student Union (PSU) have joined the Youth United for Change to lead a campaign to re-envision and transform their high school. They propose developing small schools, characterized not only by their size, but also by a rigorous education, an increased sense of community, and democratic decision-making. “My vision for small schools is a new environment – not just a new building but a new education,” explains PSU 9th grader, Tiffany Vogel. For these students, an improved education includes an improved relationship with their teachers. “In small schools, the teachers and the students get to know each other better,” comments Mary Wells, PSU Senior. Wells envisions a school where members of the school community become part of the shared school governance process. The goal of democratic decision-making in small schools is to engage the entire community.
"It's an inspiration to see young people so involved in bettering their education system," says Rev. Rodney Rogers, "not just for the betterment of themselves, but also for others."
