One message I try to instil in my students, is that it does not matter how they score on one random math test, at one moment in time. Test scores will fluctuate and do not capture the students as a whole. What matters most are those big ideas we define as "Learning Skills". Self Regulation, Collaboration, Initiative are among the most important things we can help foster in our students. These competencies are integral to becoming a mature and responsible individual in society.
To promote these learning skills and help cultivate a student centred classroom we decided to create a Classroom Economy. The idea drew upon incorporating real world problems that are tangible and familiar to students. We started with looking at each students existing responsibilities in the classroom -do their homework, show up prepared, keep desk clean, participate, etc. Then we looked at releasing some of the responsibilities of the teacher, custodian, etc. Students kept their original student responsibilities, but also took more ownership in the class by acquiring a job -homework police, shoe tidier, board cleaner, end of day sweeper, banker and even a classroom Prime Minister & Vice Prime Minister. Most jobs started with the same pay with exception of a few which were democratically voted in and offered a premium for the added responsibility. All students knew they would earn a weekly salary, but had to manage their expenses carefully -Savings account, rental of desk & chair, renting any forgotten materials (pencil, calculator, protractor, etc). After all expenses, the students were then able to save or spend their take money at a classroom store full of small candies.
The last item students had to contend with was fines if they were not responsible and fulfilling their duties. Counter to that they could also receive a bonus or raise if they were consistently performing their jobs well.
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Update:
Many great discussions and heated debates have been occurring due to the classroom economy project. We have had a fascinating formal debate about the results of missing a weeks work due to illness-Should they still be payed or not? Also, during a philosophy circle grade 5 & 6 students discussed notions of equal pay for all jobs or pay based on effort & responsibility. They also pondered if soccer players and pro athletes should be payed the amounts they are. Great riveting class discussions, stay tuned for the big surprise to come in the class economy at the end of the year!!!
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Student Voice has always been a passion of mine. I truly believe we need to get our students thinking more introspective and becoming more cognizant of their learning. When students explore their meta-cognitive abilities, they understand how they learn and can start employing strategies that will help develop a growth mindset. 
When it came time for parent teacher interviews students delivered beautiful presentations to their parents about their learning. I was able to sit back, adding little comments and see how proud the parents were watching their children become independent and evaluative learners.
Students have been learning about a number of different environmental issues and have been becoming strong ambassadors for this earth. Their studies have taken them from the depths of the seas to flying high with the birds. They have become poignant activists for issues such as deforestation to oil spills.
As part of our Language we have been looking at text features and the elements of a short story. Students used looked at Elements of a Story such as Plot & Conflict. All the stories and picture books the students created had very touching themes and messages. The themes were woven into their stories giving the reader a deeper meaning and understanding of the book. After creating a Success Criteria for the pictures books based on our learning students used the rubric to help them evaluate their books before handing them in.
Challenges inspire students to think creatively and reflect on their strategies. Having students build the tallest tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows or the most buoyant raft out of 10 sheets of paper allow students think critically. They need to make a plan, test out their ideas and revise their work.
