What is SchYPAR?
SchYPAR stands for school-based youth participatory action research (YPAR). It is a resource to help educators do YPAR in schools. SchYPAR is the product of years of co-design work involving K-12 educators, students, and administrators and university researchers. There is abundant evidence showing that YPAR makes learning more engaging, authentic, and promotive of future-ready skills. Check out our SchYPAR collaborations in Ohio, the evidence-based benefits of YPAR, and the principles of SchYPAR below.
SchYPAR Guiding Principles
Student voice. Students know things about their schools and communities, and their knowledge can help define issues and find solutions.
Agency and ownership. We are more invested in our schools and communities when we have a voice in shaping them.
Relevance. Learning is most meaningful when it connects to our lives and the issues we care about.
Collaboration. We learn from one another and can accomplish more together.
Critical thinking. Understanding the world requires questioning assumptions and seeking a fuller picture.
Empiricism. Decisions should be grounded in evidence and thoughtful inquiry.
Changemaking. We should strive to make our schools and communities better.
Wellness. All students should get what they need to become the best version of themselves.
