resource links
- Overview — Google Drive document
- Recording Platform — Polaris Education AI (Code: 2461)
- Facilitator Training Cards
- Training Slidedeck — Google Slides
interview script
consent statement
To help your school understand your thoughts, we’re recording this conversation, which will be transcribed and shared with educators and administrators. If you prefer not to participate, you can leave the conversation at any time.
conversation norms
Share these norms at the start of every session:
- Listen respectfully — Let others speak without interrupting. Follow along to keep the conversation going.
- Step up, step back — Share your thoughts, but make sure everyone gets a turn to speak.
- Disagree kindly — It’s okay to disagree, but assume people have good intentions.
- Take your time — Pause and reflect before speaking, and if necessary you can ask to pass and we’ll come back to you later.
- Don’t name specific people — We are here to listen and learn from you, but not to target specific students or educators. Please refrain from naming specific people. Instead, you can say “a teacher” or “a student,” etc. In addition, this conversation is anonymous and your name will not appear on the transcript.
introduction
Have each participant share their grade level and favorite subject (if applicable).
Remind participants to speak loudly enough to be captured in the recording. They should not share their name.
questions
Question 1: “Looking at these images, which of the following best describes your school experience? Why? (#1-12)”
See images below. Please ensure that students state the number for the recording (e.g. “I chose #9 because…”)
Question 2: “Describe a time when you took initiative on something at school without being asked and without asking for permission. What drove you to take that action?”
Question 3: “Do you feel like adults at the school truly listen to your perspective on how you learn? As in, they understand how you learn best and take steps to adjust their teaching to your needs? If so, what has this looked like? If not, what do you wish they would do differently?”
Question 4: “What, to you, would be your ideal/perfect learning experience? In a paragraph (3-5 sentences) or less, what would a perfect day at school look like/sound like? Have you experienced this perfect day in your time at school?”
Provide time for students to write and respond.
Question 5: “What is one action, no matter how small or large, that our school should take to support your learning?“
conclusion
That wraps up our conversation. Thank you for joining me today.
Stop the recording when applicable.
If you feel like the conversation has not gone on long enough and you’re still looking for more folks to participate, try this alternate prompt: “Which image do you feel best represents your feelings about school? Why?”
You can also use the Facilitator Training Cards from the training for additional questions.