What is SchYPAR?

SchYPAR or School-Based Youth Participatory Action Research: is a structured, youth-driven research model that supports students in investigating issues that shape their school experiences—and using evidence to influence change.

Students are researchers and leaders. They develop questions, collect and analyze data, examine multiple perspectives, and communicate findings to decision-makers.
The process centers disciplined inquiry, reflection, and action grounded in evidence.
SchYPAR values curiosity over compliance and equity as a core purpose of research. Students learn that research is not just an academic exercise—it is a tool for understanding systems, challenging inequities, and shaping more just school communities.
Learning becomes leadership. Insight turns into systemic impact.

SchYPAR Guiding Principles

Student Leadership Through Inquiry. Students are researchers and leaders. They generate meaningful questions, design investigations, and guide the direction of the work. Inquiry is not assigned to them—it is led by them.

Research Before Action. SchYPAR teaches students to understand before acting. They collect and analyze data, examine multiple perspectives, and ground their conclusions in evidence. Research builds clarity, not assumptions.

Voice as Knowledge. Student voice is not symbolic—it is expertise. Young people hold critical knowledge about their school experiences. SchYPAR centers lived experience as a legitimate and necessary source of insight.

Critical Reflection on Systems. Students examine patterns, policies, and power structures that shape their schools. SchYPAR encourages looking beyond individuals to understand systems—and to identify where change is possible.

Evidence for Influence. Research is used to inform decisions and shape practice. Students communicate findings to decision-makers, propose recommendations, and advocate for improvements grounded in data.

Shared Responsibility. Change happens collectively. Students, educators, and school leaders engage in shared inquiry and dialogue. SchYPAR builds partnerships that move schools forward together.

Equity as Purpose. SchYPAR positions research as a tool for advancing fairness, belonging, and well-being. Inquiry is guided by a commitment to more just school communities.

School Betterment. Research should strengthen—not strain—student well-being. SchYPAR prioritizes care, belonging, and psychological safety, ensuring that inquiry and action contribute to healthier, more supportive school environments.

SchYPAR Collaborations in Ohio

Learn about the educators and students leading this work across Ohio.

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The YPAR Phases: A Structure Youth-Driven Approach

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?
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?
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?
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.