What is SchYPAR?
SchYPAR builds on the work of thousands of young people, dozens of adults, and a team of education researchers and practitioners doing youth participatory action research (YPAR) in secondary schools. Our goal is to amplify students’ voices through research to address issues that impact their lives and educational experiences. The SchYPAR website offers resources for school communities to incorporate YPAR into their practice and shines a light on YPAR work happening in Ohio through our SchYPAR team’s collaborations.
SchYPAR Guiding Principles
Youth Action: YPAR emphasizes youth actions by allowing them the opportunity to insert their agency, knowledge, and decision-making abilities. Youth are the experts that contribute to generating knowledge, social awareness, and change in schools.
Collaborative Inquiry: YPAR promotes collaborative inquiry, where young people work alongside teachers to collectively engage in a research process to bring awareness and/or create change in schools.
Critical Reflection: YPAR encourages critical reflection among participants, which involves questioning and analyzing existing social structures, power dynamics, and inequities. It fosters a deeper understanding of the root causes of social issues and challenges dominant narratives.
Social Change: YPAR is not solely focused on research but emphasizes action and social change. It aims to address and transform social inequalities by using research findings to inform and advocate for policy changes, community interventions, and other forms of action.
Contextual Relevance: YPAR recognizes the importance of addressing relevant and meaningful issues in young people's lives.
Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination: YPAR emphasizes the sharing and disseminating research findings beyond academic circles. It seeks to amplify the voices and perspectives of young people by sharing their findings with policymakers, community members, and other stakeholders who can contribute to social change.
