Planning

Planning YPAR doesn’t require a perfect blueprint — it requires clarity, flexibility, and intention.

This page helps you move from possibility to structure. Start by reviewing the interactive Resource Explorer to see how each phase unfolds — from issue identification to research, analysis, and action.

When you’re ready to map your own implementation, download the Phase Map, Unit Planner, and YPAR Table to organize pacing, milestones, and scaffolds in ways that align with your curriculum and students.

If you’re looking for subject-specific inspiration, explore the Classroom Examples to see how educators and students have brought YPAR to life across disciplines.

These tools are built to be adaptable — so you can integrate YPAR into your curriculum in ways that are meaningful, manageable, and responsive to your students.

YPAR Phases Explorer

  • Phase 1. Identify an Issue

    Phase 1 introduces YPAR within schools and the importance of power-sharing roles between teachers and students. Central to phase 1 is identifying a school and community issue, asking: What are the most critical issues in our school? What about this issue needs to change? What are the goals for addressing the issue?

    Identify an Issue

  • Phase 2: Collect Data

    Phase 2 guides the data collection by breaking down quantitative and qualitative research methods. This phase asks: What information might one need to address the issue? Whose perspectives will help understand the problem better? How will the information be obtained? What research methods work best to address the problem?

    Collect Data

  • Phase 3: Analyze Data

    Phase 3 will provide guidelines and techniques for analyzing data needed to take action in YPAR. Questions guiding phase 3 include: What has been learned? What are the major trends or themes that the data shows? What reflections and evaluations are needed to take action?

    Analyze Data

  • Phase 4: Take Action

    It’s time to take action! Phase 4 supports collaborators to take what was learned from the research to create change within schools and communities. In Phase 4, collaborators will brainstorm recommendations based on the research findings, reflect on advocates to support the project, and figure out how the research can be shared with others.

    Take Action

How Does YPAR Fit in My Subject Area?

Each subject area supports different dimensions of the YPAR cycle. While all students move through shared phases, your role will shift depending on your discipline — whether you are guiding research design, strengthening data analysis, or supporting communication and public action.

The table below illustrates how different disciplines contribute to the YPAR cycle. For full unit examples, lesson samples, and student work, visit the Classroom Examples.

Subject AreaYour Role Might Involve…Guiding Question
English / ELASupporting narrative writing, interview design, persuasive essays, presentationsHow can students craft compelling messages from their findings? What forms of writing or speaking will they use to communicate their research?
Social StudiesConnecting student issues to systems, policies, history, and civic actionHow can students analyze issues of power, justice, or equity through research? Can they engage with school policy or local government?
MathSupporting data analysis, survey design, charts/graphs, equity in numbersHow can students use numbers to tell a story? What statistical tools can help analyze disparities or trends in school data?
ScienceFacilitating observations, environmental health research, wellness dataHow can students apply the scientific method to school/community issues? Can students gather or analyze real-world data using science skills?
Graphic Organizers

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