Choosing the YPAR Topic
Why This Matters
Strong YPAR begins with student questions—but that doesn’t mean teachers step aside completely. Your role is to set conditions for students to explore relevant, rigorous, and meaningful issues. Anchoring this inquiry within your subject area, school context, or a broad theme can give students a helpful frame to begin.
Reflection Prompts
Will students explore issues connected to your subject?
(e.g., identity in English, inequities in STEM access, environmental justice in science)
How will you support students in generating their own questions about school or community issues?
(Think: story circles, media analysis, identity maps, data walks, observation journals)
Would it be helpful to start with a shared theme or essential question?
(E.g., mental health, safety, college access, representation, belonging)
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, possible theme(s):