Increasing Student Engagement: How to Prepare Now for NEXT Year, and What Needs to be Done (Volume 2, Episode 10)

Angela and Davey tackle the challenging topic of increasing student engagement. Using Dr. Howie Knoff's May 25, 2024 Blog message as a guide, they advocate for proactive measures to address student disengagement. They also emphasize the importance of planning interventions well in advance of the new school year, beginning even the prior April and May.  They discuss Dr. Howie's suggestions for a multi-faceted approach to improving student engagement, including defining specific disengagement behaviors, analyzing root causes using a "RIOTS" framework (Review, Interview, Observe, Talk, Survey), and employing the U.S. Department of Education's ED School Climate Survey.  A whole-school effort with integrated interventions is suggested, incorporating various staff members and peer support, and focusing on relationship building and positive school climate during the first days of school and potentially even during the summer. The ultimate goal is to prevent summer disengagement from worsening and to create a more engaging school environment on the FIRST day of the new school year.