Gathering input from students, families, staff, and community partners to inform decisions.

Practical ways to involve students, families, staff, and community members in shaping change.

As Jamestown School District in North Dakota explored changes to its academic schedule, district leaders were clear about one thing: the goal was not to reduce opportunities for students, but to expand them.

Rather than make decisions behind closed doors, district leaders created an intentional process to gather input from the people closest to the work and most affected by the outcome. Staff, students, families, community members, and industry partners were invited to share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas for the future.

This approach supported learner agency, relevance, and community connection within North Dakota’s Personalized Learning Framework by positioning stakeholders as partners in shaping learning experiences. It also helped build trust, surface new ideas, and ensure decisions reflected community priorities. By the time district leaders moved forward, they had a much clearer picture of what mattered most to the people they served.

Apply It

Identify Key Stakeholders in Your Community

Start by naming who will be affected by a decision and whose perspective will strengthen it. This may include students, families, educators, school leaders, employers, community partners, and local organizations. Be especially intentional about including voices that are often underrepresented.

• Map stakeholder groups before launching a major initiative or change effort

• Invite students, families, staff, and community partners to participate early in the process

• Engage local employers, higher education institutions, and community organizations to provide additional perspectives

• Use targeted outreach strategies to ensure broad participation from each group

Plan a Variety of Input Methods

Do not rely on a single meeting or survey to capture community perspective. Different formats make it easier for people to participate in ways that feel accessible and meaningful.

• Conduct surveys to gather broad input across stakeholder groups

• Facilitate listening sessions or focus groups to explore themes in greater depth

• Hold student forums, design challenges, or feedback sessions focused on learner experiences

• Interview community and industry partners about future workforce needs and opportunities

Give Yourself a Long Runway

Meaningful engagement takes time, especially when decisions are complex or emotional. Build in enough time to gather input, identify patterns, communicate findings, and refine plans before making final decisions.

• Include stakeholder engagement activities in project timelines from the outset

• Share updates regularly throughout the process

• Communicate what was heard and how feedback is informing decisions

• Create multiple opportunities for stakeholders to provide input over time

Engage Learners in Meaningful Ways

Students should not be an afterthought in decisions about their learning experiences. Create opportunities for learners to share what is working, what feels missing, and what would make learning more relevant and engaging.

• Include students on advisory groups, committees, or planning teams

• Facilitate student design sessions focused on improving learning experiences

• Gather student feedback on schedules, programs, and school priorities

• Demonstrate how student ideas influence decisions and future planning

Engaging stakeholders is a practical way to make better decisions while strengthening trust, transparency, and shared ownership across the school community.