January 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Education show that while most public school leaders sometimes (30%) or often (46%) use student feedback when developing or revising programs or policies, few (22%) say they always do. High schools stood out among these data: Nearly one third of high school or secondary school leaders reported “always” using student input.
These findings come from the School Pulse Panel, a nationally representative survey of K–12 public school leaders that provides timely data on pressing education issues.
Do schools actually listen to students when making decisions?
Figure: School leaders use of feedback from students
Note: * Data suppressed due to low sample size of “Never” for Middle or Combined and High or Secondary schools
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, School Pulse Panel 2024–25.
When Students Are Heard, Schools Improve
Student voice is more than a feel-good practice—Child Trends’ research shows how student voice can be a driver of academic engagement and attendance. Yet these new federal data reveal a gap between intention and implementation: Many schools are listening, but fewer are consistently acting on what students share.
To help close that gap, Child Trends developed a suite of research-based tools grounded in findings from our Student Voice to Student Outcomes Study, which identified when and how student voice contributes to academic, social, and emotional growth. Building on this research, we created the Student Voice Toolkit to help educators strengthen feedback loops and foster meaningful student–adult collaboration. We also developed the validated State of Student Voice Practices in Schools Survey to give schools a clear picture of how effectively they are elevating student perspectives.
These tools turn student feedback into action. With consistent use, they support stronger relationships, better school climate, and improved outcomes for all students.
Interested in partnering with Child Trends to deepen the use of student voice in your school or district?
Contact Samantha Holquist at sholquist@childtrends.org.