Youth Voice & Agency
Empowering Student Voice and Agency at CAST Schools
At CAST Schools, youth voice and agency are central to our mission. We believe students thrive when empowered to be co-creators and co-problem solvers both within and beyond the classroom. With the right support and resources, students are equipped to share ideas, ask meaningful questions, make decisions, and engage deeply in their education.
Our approach is grounded in research, particularly Learnership by James Anderson and The Power of Student Agency by Anindya Kundu, which emphasize student autonomy and the ability to drive positive change in their own lives.
We define student agency as the level of control, autonomy, and power a student experiences. This approach is supported by Self-Determination Theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, as a way to build intrinsic motivation in students—ultimately leading to greater self-management, leadership, and advocacy.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Key Environmental Conditions for Student Agency
Beliefs for Youth Voice and Agency
A shared mindset that values and trusts students as active participants in their learning and decision-making.
Enabling Conditions
Structures, resources, and practices that empower students to exercise agency effectively
Additional Sustainability Conditions
Supports and systems that ensure youth voice and agency are maintained and grow over time.
Advancing Student Agency Through Collaboration
CAST is a regional network of schools in San Antonio, TX, and one of three Anchor Partners in San Antonio’s Future Ready collective impact plan to increase college enrollment. CAST’s deep collaboration with UP Partnership, the backbone agency for the Future Ready plan, and our role as the Anchor Partner for Youth Voice, allows us to share our commitment to student agency with a broader network of Future Ready partners who have committed to scaling these practices.
As part of that ongoing effort, we’ve crafted a new resource designed to support other organizations in assessing their own development in this area.
Why CAST Schools Stand Apart
Why It Matters
Youth Ownership
When young people take the lead in reflecting on their learning, they develop a sense of responsibility and motivation to improve.
Engagement
Learner led conferences foster meaningful connections between trusted adults and the school or organization, making it a positive, youth-centered experience rather than a traditional, one-sided conference.
Equity & Support
Each student’s unique journey is honored, and Learner led conferences provide a platform for young people to advocate for the support they need while trusted adults and educators ensure those needs are met.
