Student Leadership

The Society of Students (SOS) is a unique strategy which guides students towards a vision—and action—of themselves as leaders in their schools, in their families and in their community. Developed by Janis Huira, a fifth grade classroom teacher, to strengthen student character and resiliency before entering the middle school years, it has been proven to benefit both academic achievement and social behavior.

The Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative (BHLC) currently operates SOS for approximately 1100 elementary school students who dedicate their lunch, recess and after school time to participate in the program. The SOS culture permeates the school; minimizing discipline problems and maximizing positive behavior.

What Students Learn

Students learn how to be self sufficient, responsible, confident, and active participants in their education. They gain skills that prepare them to be effective leaders in their communities such as how to conduct research, asses their environment, speak in front of a large audience, and problem solve.

How it works

SOS can be described as a social emotional learning program. The program was designed to empower students to succeed, resist negative social influences, develop leadership skills and instill a positive and motivated attitude. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as “AP,” or as students who consistently raise the academic and social bar. As a result of higher expectations and support from SOS staff, students feel empowered and hold themselves and their peers accountable in order to attain academic success.

In a qualitative dissertation study performed by Laura Steen Mulfinger of Claremont Graduate University in 2009, it was found that “in addition to having a positive impact on students in terms of improved academic performance, motivation, self-monitoring and self awareness…Teachers in the evaluation study commented that using the SOS program positively impacted their classroom practices and their expectations of their students.” Thus the SOS approach offers mechanisms for positive growth of both students and instructors by promoting high expectations, and leadership development.

Student & Teacher Reflections

“I have been an SOS member for many years. During this time I’ve been on many journeys with many groups of students and every year brings challenges, rewards and revelations. What remains constant throughout the years are the high expectations of the SOS curriculum and the privilege of watching students rise up to meet them.” — Margarita Majeau

“…we [have] an opportunity to show the adult leaders that we are leaders.” —Diana Grajeda (4th grader at Breed St Elementary)

“…even if you are born in Boyle Heights, you can still be a leader for your community.” — David Leon (6th grader at Utah Elementary)