Kentucky Student Voice Team

"It is essential that all students—not just those enrolled in AP courses or involved in Student Council—have access to high-quality civic education during school hours. In today ’s digital age, information and media literacy education should begin at an early age and be integrated across multiple curricular areas. To be effective, this training must not be confined to specific subjects or treated as an optional add-on. Instead, it should be embedded into everyday instructional practices, reflecting the reality that digital tools are now a primary means of information access and inquiry in classrooms. Equipping both students and educators with these critical skills is essential to fostering informed, responsible, and engaged learners." ~Kentucky Student Voice Team

On a chilly day in January, a group of high school students stood outside the Franklin County Courthouse in Frankfort, Kentucky, to explain why they had just filed a major lawsuit against their home state. The Commonwealth, the students alleged, had not fulfilled its obligation to provide them with an “adequate and equitable” education — in defiance of their state constitution and a 35-year-old Kentucky Supreme Court ruling. https://lnkd.in/eWideys6 Kentucky Student Voice Team

A recent report by America's Promise Alliance found nine in 10 young people (91%) believe that everyone should have access to civic education, however, just four in 10 (43%) young people feel even somewhat prepared, based on their civic education experiences, to participate civically. We know this is true among Kentucky students and that's why last month the Kentucky Student Voice Team sued the state over the lack of meaningful civics education in our schools in violation of our state constitution.

?? NEW REPORT! ?? What does civic learning look like in Kentucky schools? We asked 2,300+ students, parents, and educators—and the results challenge all of us to think about how we can better support young people to engage in our classrooms and communities: ?? Nearly 40% of students say their schools don’t prepare them to participate in democracy. ?? Many report never learning how government works or how to fact-check information. ?? Students in well-resourced schools get more civic learning opportunities than others. ?? Read Beyond the Ballot: The State of Civic Education in Kentucky as investigated by Kentucky high school students https://lnkd.in/eNFHdUhN

What can deep civic engagement look like for youth? In the recently-filed, student-driven legal case—KSVT vs. Commonwealth of Kentucky—students from across the state have united to demand that K-12 education meet the constitutionally-required conditions. I will be facilitating a panel with several student plaintiffs behind the case from the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) and legal counsel to share what brought them to take action and “revive” the educational promises made to the state’s young people. Event is open to all! See more and register here: https://lnkd.in/e5XJUTaT FB Event: https://lnkd.in/eb7XHhqJ

Almost to the day one year ago, our Kentucky Student Voice Team delegation left Harvard Law School feeling inspired, affirmed, and deeply aware of the responsibility we carry to show the world what is possible when young people are supported as serious education improvement partners. The context was a two-hour guest lecture for 100 people led almost entirely by Kentucky teenagers. Yesterday, we returned from Cambridge once again—this time, having shared not only how students have continued shaping education policy and practice but also how they are now taking the fight for an adequate and equitable education to the courts. High school students are often spoken about in conversations on education policy. But when given the space, we see time and again that they can be shaping and informing those conversations instead—offering both lived and expert knowledge, challenging assumptions, and co-creating solutions. This visit reminded us just how transformative it is when older generations don’t just invite young people in, but actively cede platforms, circulate power, and embrace this type of partnership. Massive props to my brilliant colleagues—Luisa Sanchez, Ivy Litton, and Chase Colvin and to Will Powers—for making this moment so meaningful. Endless gratitude to our law school friends—Professors Mike Gregory, Crisanne Hazen, and the incredible graduate students who engaged with us so thoughtfully—for once again honoring student expertise and showing what intergenerational collaboration can truly look like. And of course, deep appreciation for the community of advocates of all ages in Kentucky and across the country who continue to walk this path with us. The fight for educational justice is long, but spaces like these remind us that change is not only possible—it is already happening.

New York Civic Learning Week 2025 is less than two weeks away! Did you know all NY students have a right under the state constitution to an education that prepares them for engaged civic lives? Civic readiness is an important purpose of public education and a priority in New York State. Learn about how our schools can fulfill their vital civic mission. DemocracyReady NY, our statewide, nonpartisan, multigenerational coalition will offer a series of exciting free virtual events and resources during New York Civic Learning Week (CLW) 2025. Monday, March 10th at 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET - The Right to Civic Education: A Conversation with Judge William E. Smith Join Michael A. Rebell, founder and executive director of the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University, co-convener of DemocracyReady New York, and lead counsel on Cook v. McKee, in a conversation with Judge William E. Smith, who presided over the case in Rhode Island, to discuss civic education as a constitutional right. andrew e. brennen, co-founder and chair of Kentucky Student Voice Team, will contribute to the discussion.?Co-Sponsored by the Rhode Island Civic Learning Coalition. Register: https://lnkd.in/eaKkhpBW --- Tuesday, March 11th at 4:00 - 6:00 pm ET - The Third Annual Summit on Civic Readiness, Building a Media-Literate Future: A Cross-Generational Call to Action Join media literacy experts and educators in a conversation featuring students’ questions about the media environment today. NYS Senator Shelley Mayer will give remarks. Panelists include Arielle Geismar, co-chair of Design It For Us; John Harris, Director of Library & Digital Services at Genesee Valley BOCES; and Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent of Schools at Baldwin Union Free School District. Register: https://lnkd.in/eaKkhpBW --- Friday, March 14th at 4:00 pm ET - Media Detectives crack the case of Click Clack Moo! Developing media literacy and critical thinking skills is essential - and possible - in elementary school when you meet kids where they are. Using the children’s classic Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type, this fun elementary classroom game involves children working together to find clues and recognize misinformation in media sources. While in this inquiry process, they must think critically - read, share, and analyze findings - to solve the mystery: exactly how did those cows learn to type? Created by Inquiring Minds Institute’s Student Think Tank, Brooklyn, NY, and filmed in 3rd grade at Democracy Prep Public Schools Harlem Elementary. Runtime approximately 10 minutes. Register: https://lnkd.in/eCpPjW5k #civiclearningweek

“I want to see all Kentucky students be able to have adequate resources and be able to be excited to go to school,” KSVT member Addison, a 17-year old junior at DuPont Union High School in Louisville, tells Word In Black.

The recent threat to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education raises serious concerns about the future of federal education support, but it does not change one fundamental truth: in Kentucky, it is the state legislature—not the federal government—that bears the constitutional responsibility to ensure every student receives an adequate and equitable education. For decades, Kentucky lawmakers have underfunded our public schools, leading to systemic deficiencies and disproportionate reliance on federal support from our historically under-resourced communities. The uncertainty at the national level only underscores the urgency for state leaders to take action now—to invest in hiring and retaining high-quality teachers, provide essential mental health resources, ensure safe and reliable transportation, and fully fund our schools to meet students’ needs.

joined Tom Martin on eastern standard to go deep on the challenges facing kentucky public schools and why the Kentucky Student Voice Team filed suit against the state earlier this month. as someone who grew up listening to npr in the car with my mom, this was a real honor. https://lnkd.in/efeYHzeb