About

In Michigan, there is currently no uniform measurement of students’ wellbeing nor a common way to evaluate student engagement and the impact of related services and interventions for students beyond standardized test scores.

Yet the research is crystal clear about the significant role that student engagement and student belonging has on student success. Engaged students are 2.5 times more likely to say they do well in school and 4.5 times more likely to be hopeful about the future.1

In 2019, a group of superintendents in Kent County, Michigan developed a common survey that could provide a holistic picture of student experience including student engagement, social-emotional learning (SEL) and belonging. This led to the development of the MI Student Voice Perception Survey, which was administered by 20 school districts across the state in 2022. Participation has grown significantly year upon year, and in Spring 2025 127 districts administered the survey, uplifting 87,181 student voices. 

The survey offerings expanded in 2024 to include an Educator Perception Survey and a Parent/Guardian Perception Survey. This full suite of surveys is intended to provide a more comprehensive view of school climate and culture, allowing for triangulation of the data, with anchor points between the surveys leading to greater insights. Reception to these newer surveys has been strong – the majority of districts administering the Student survey now elect to administer the Educator and Parent/Guardian surveys as well.

1 Jackson, C.K. et al. Linking social-emotional learning to long-term success. Education Next.

The MI Student Voice Perception Survey is now playing a transformative role in how education leaders approach district and school improvement planning by prioritizing the voice of students. Survey highlights:

  • Around 10 minutes to complete
  • Less than 40 questions
  • Flexible
  • Validated and proved
  • Customized marketing materials
  • Implementation support
  • Free