What is SchYPAR?

SchYPAR (School-based Youth Participatory Action Research) is a resource designed to help educators guide students in researching and addressing real issues that matter to them. The purpose of conducting research in schools is to enable students to contribute their input to school decision-making through research-based findings. Rooted in years of co-design with K–12 teachers, students, administrators, and researchers, SchYPAR has been implemented across various subjects—from English and Social Studies to Math, Spanish, and extracurricular activities in Ohio. Students have addressed topics such as school climate, mental health, academic equity, and community challenges. Learn about how SchYPAR is making an impact in Ohio, read the YPAR principles that guide our work, and more below...

SchYPAR Guiding Principles

Student voice. Students know things about their schools and communities, and their knowledge can help define issues and find solutions.

Agency and ownership. We are more invested in our schools and communities when we have a voice in shaping them.

Relevance. Learning is most meaningful when it connects to our lives and the issues we care about.

Collaboration. We learn from one another and can accomplish more together.

Critical thinking. Understanding the world requires questioning assumptions and seeking a fuller picture.

Empiricism. Decisions should be grounded in evidence and thoughtful inquiry.

Changemaking. We should strive to make our schools and communities better.

Wellness. All students should have access to what they need to become the best version of themselves.

YPAR Phases that Guide Student Research

  • 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.

Watch former YPAR student Khandah Abdullah and Professor Molly Buckley-Marudas discuss YPAR on the Cleveland Conversations Program.