Christine Knestrict

The Benefits of Student Voice

Captured in a metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia primary school, seated amongst his classmates, this photograph depicts a young African-American schoolboy who was in the process of drawing with a pencil on a piece of white paper. Note that the student was focused on a drawing book that referenced fantasy flying planes, while intent on creating his artwork, seemingly oblivious to all the classroom goings-on that surrounded him. It is important to know that objects, including pencils, crayons, paper, etc., are known as fomites, and can act as transmitters of illnesses.

So, what exactly is Student Voice? Holquist (2019) defines student voice as “the ways in which all students have opportunities to participate in and/or influence the education decisions that will shape their lives and the lives of their peers.” Educational institutions present numerous opportunities to incorporate student voice across multiple forms and levels of engagement … Read more

Students with Disabilities: Not A Barrier-An Opportunity to do Better

Too often, whether intentionally or unintentionally, those who are most able, are also most privileged as it relates to the access and opportunities the world has to offer. From citizens who are born left-handed to citizens who are born with disabilities (both minor and significant), these citizens are often forced to find ways to adapt … Read more

ALL Means ALL

“We live in a period where there’s no time for “urgent-free pedagogy.” Our instructional pursuits must be honest, bold, raw, unapologetic, and responsive to the social times.” ― Gholdy Muhammad, Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy   How unapologetic, raw, and responsive have we been in terms of inclusion in public schools? … Read more

New Year, New Mindset

Learning Knows No Bounds Presently, my work with SST involves talking and thinking a lot about the New Decision-Making Framework that teachers must now use and provide evidence for whether a student with the most significant cognitive disability is eligible for the alternate assessment. This experience has prompted me to ask a few reflective questions, … Read more

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