Major Accomplishments

BC Student Voice published The Unheard Voice (Oct. – Dec. 1993).  The document dealt with four important questions:

Voice on School (published by BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association December, 1997).

Voice on Harassment (published by BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association January, 2001).

Voice on Young Worker Safety (published by The Workers’ Compensation Board of BC and the BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association April, 2003).

WCB intends to use this report and its resulting discussion to:

	Build industry and community awareness of and commitment to the issues;
	To bring together groups of different stakeholders to focus on integrated young worker health and safety programs and initiatives across the province.

Regional forums were held around this issue.  The results were collated and organized in a booklet that was published and is being used throughout the province.  This initiative has also stimulated the development of several other committees.

BC Student Voice participated in a variety of projects, such as DASH Tobacco Project, BC Life Skills program development, Student Leadership Package for all regions, Champions in Learning, Champions in Life – more specifically Team Up.  Team Up and Champions are Ministry of Education programs in partnership with sports groups, such as the Vancouver Grizzlies.  Students worked closely with the ministry and these sport groups to devise programs for Stay in School initiatives.  Team Up also assisted in the development of the Rick Hansen Institute’s role model resource.

However, the accomplishments don’t stop here.  As awareness and the benefits of the BC Student Voice become more widely known, students are invited to be part of a growing number of initiatives, including:

	Review of the K-12 Education Plan, 1994.
	Input into the development of Career and Personal Planning course (C.A.P.P.).
	Forums and production of a document for evaluation of C.A.P.P.
	Support of ICBC Roadsense programs in schools.
	Networking with the regional coordinators of the Ministry of Attorney General’s Youth Division.
	Publication of a student leadership journal.
	Representation on Ministry of Education committees such as:  Performance Indicators Project Advisory Group, Equivalency Working Group, English as a Second Language Policy Framework, National Expectations-setting session for mathematics, harassment policy review, credentialing policy review, communication skills and assessment, assessment review and addressing student differences.
	Input into graduation requirements.
	Input into student assessment.
	Input into school planning councils.

The BC Student Voice has grown to be a widely accepted and respected group that has been effective at sharing opinions and providing input on important education issues.  Although initial resistance was experienced, education groups, such as the Ministry of Education have come to value and welcome their participation in an increasing number of matters.  This makes good sense, after all, who understands best the needs of students, than the students themselves.