Exploring Student Experience Through Photovoice: A Transformative Approach to Studying School Climate and Culture at CHS

Student data is an integral part of the decision-making process in classrooms, school buildings, and school districts. However, what is often missed within data collected is student voice. At Castle High School there is a current push to understand current school culture and make positive changes to enhance the student experience. Current forms of data collection methods conducted by the school include surveys and focus groups, but these methods exclude large parts of the student body. Photovoice, a form of qualitative participatory action research engages students in an emancipatory practice that allows them to photograph their experience in the school and present it to policymakers. To enact positive policy changes within CHS, photovoice is recommended to address climate and culture concerns within the school to enhance student experience. This study leverages student experience and teacher experience to develop an understanding of photovoices’ uses in the high school setting.