How do students build leadership skills? A global study of round square secondary schools

Research on leadership in schools has mainly focused on adults. A missing lens on student leadership is significant, as it should not be assumed that adult leadership perspectives apply to young people. This global mixed-method study investigated how students perceive leadership and the most effective experiences for developing leadership skills at Round Square (RS) secondary schools. In phase one, online survey data was gathered from students (n=6,244) across 127 RS schools in 35 countries. In phase two, interviews were conducted with students (n=100) at 12 RS schools in 11 countries. The findings illuminated student perspectives about leadership qualities, the potential for young leaders to be change agents in schools and societies, and the most effective experiences for building leadership skills. Copyright © 2021 AERA.