Amplifying Student Voice: Office of Equity + Social Justice Refines Amp Up APS! Student Survey to Deepen Impact

The Amp Up APS! Districtwide Equity Survey officially launched on Monday, Nov. 3, and will remain open through Friday, Nov. 28, giving students across Atlanta Public Schools (APS) a valuable opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas for improving their schools.

Conducted by the Office of Equity + Social Justice (OESJ), the annual survey captures vital feedback on student voice, belonging, access to resources, and key other areas, helping the district better understand and respond to the needs of every student. 

Overall, this districtwide tool strengthens our understanding of the student experience and informs continuous improvement across Atlanta Public Schools.

OESJ Director Dr. Carina Windom emphasized that every student’s voice matters.

“The Amp Up APS! Survey reminds us that students aren’t just participants in their education — they’re partners in shaping it,” Dr. Windom said. “Their insights guide us toward more inclusive and inspiring learning environments across APS. Every response helps us create learning environments that are more supportive and reflective of who our students are and what they need to thrive.”

Listening, Learning, and Leading Together

OESJ recently conducted a comprehensive review of the Amp Up APS! Districtwide Equity Survey, collaborating closely with the APS Student Advisory Council and cross-functional teams in strategy, data, and student supports. The goal: to ensure the survey remains relevant, actionable, and aligned with district priorities.

Administered since 2022, the survey this year uses age-appropriate language, includes fewer questions for younger students, and emphasizes clear, specific items that help school staff and leaders take meaningful action.

Each question is tied to the APS 2025–2030 Strategic Plan focus areas, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and OESJ’s progress monitoring metrics, reinforcing the survey’s role as a key driver of district improvement.

What’s New This Year

To better capture the full range of student experiences, OESJ added new questions focused on:

• Absenteeism and student engagement
  
• Equitable and consistent discipline practices
  
• Access to graduate readiness opportunities like internships, mentorships, and extracurricular activities
  

These refinements are designed to provide richer, more actionable insights that empower schools to strengthen engagement, belonging, and academic success.

Data That Drives Equity and Engagement

Last year’s survey revealed a key insight: students who reported a lower sense of belonging and connection to school had higher rates of unexcused absences, particularly among female and non-binary high school students.

These findings were shared with the central office cross-functional team on chronic absenteeism, guiding new efforts to strengthen school climate, student connection, and attendance across APS.

Turning Insights Into Action

The Amp Up APS! Student Survey continues to guide districtwide improvement and inform policy, planning, and support systems. OESJ and school leaders use survey data to:

• Shape professional learning on responsive teaching, fair discipline, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
  
• Examine root causes of chronic absenteeism across schools and clusters.
  
• Inform district and school policy development grounded in equity.
  
• Strengthen school improvement plans through data-driven goals.
  
• Tailor supports for multilingual learners and exceptional education students.
  
• Expand college and career readiness pathways that reflect student interests and needs.
  
• Empower the Student Advisory Council to lead student-driven problem-solving initiatives.                             
  

Additionally, the survey platform provides educators with curated classroom resources and activities tailored to meet the needs of students.

Keeping Student Voice at the Center

By refining the Amp Up APS! Student Survey, the Office of Equity and Social Justice ensures that student voice remains central to district decision-making. These enhancements deepen the understanding of the student experience, promote equitable opportunities, and help create inclusive and supportive environments across Atlanta Public Schools.