LISTEN Lab is a 16-week, flexible, project-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) curriculum designed as part of a U.S. Department of Education grant that supports educators in exploring chronic absenteeism through the tool of YPAR.

Project aim: The LISTEN LAB will investigate how incorporating YPAR can increase students’ academic and post-secondary outcomes, school engagement, self-efficacy, and experience of school climate in participating high schools. Over the four years, 24 participating LISTEN LAB Teacher Participants, and 480 LISTEN LAB Student Participants will gather, analyze, and present data on student engagement and school culture measures at their 12 high schools through YPAR Research Cycles.  All materials are freely available and modifiable under a CC BY-NC-SA license.

• Can MY students do this?  Yes!  This curriculum is designed both for students with no prior research experience.  Additionally, we designed the curriculum to be accessible to TEACHERS with no prior research experience. 

• How much time does it take?  LISTEN Lab is a 16-week curriculum.  We provide 1 hour of curriculum per week, but it's designed so you can do as much or as little as fits your situation.  The curriculum could be finished within 16 weeks but could be longer as needed.

• How do I get started? Go to YPAR Resources to find out what to print and how to use the key resources.  Then, start with the Introductory Week lessons!

More questions?  Check out the Curriculum FAQ.