Engaged
It makes sense that for students to learn at high levels, they must first be motivated to learn and interested in their studies. Students who are bored by their classes, who don't feel motivated to achieve, and who don't see the connection between what they're learning in school and their real-world goals, are unlikely to do well academically.
Too many American children are not engaged in their learning. For example, one of every three high school students drops out of school—one in two for African American and Hispanic students (Education Week). Of these, nearly 7 in 10 (69 percent) say they weren't inspired or motivated to work hard, and 66 percent say they would have worked harder if they'd been challenged more (Civic Enterprises and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation). Also, 7 in 10 employers say high school graduates don't have a strong work ethic... nearly 4 in 10 say they have poor teamwork skills (Committee for Economic Development).
To ensure that all students are adequately engaged, ASCD recommends, at a minimum:
- Students may participate in a wide array of extracurricular activities
- Schools provide opportunities for community-based apprenticeships, internships, or projects
- Teachers use active learning strategies such as cooperative learning and project-based learning
View your report card.
Find resources to engage students in your school and community.