The Future of K12 Student Engagement: Insights & Trends

Chronic absenteeism now affects nearly one in four students. But as school administrators continue to confront this persistent challenge, new research highlights the critical role student engagement may have in reversing this trend.

In this article, we'll highlight the latest findings from the Brookings report, which emphasizes a deeper, more sustainable solution: How do we foster authentic engagement within schools and strengthen family-school partnerships?

Chronic absenteeism: When a student misses at least 10% of school days in a year, for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences

A Widening Gap: Perceptions Versus Reality in Student Engagement

The Brookings report reveals a significant disconnect between how parents perceive their children’s school experiences and what students actually report. This draws on a survey of over 65,000 students from grades 3 through 12 and nearly 2,000 parents. For example: 

• 65% of parents believe their 10th-grade child loves school, but only 26% of students say the same. 

• 72% of parents think their children frequently learn a lot at school, but only 44% of students agree. 

• 71% of parents think their children are learning about topics they are interested in, but only 29% of students agree. 

  
  

These findings illustrate a troubling reality: schools often fail to communicate with families about the true quality of students’ learning experiences, which can leave parents unaware of the need to support their children’s engagement actively. 

Also read: What 100 students wish you knew about student engagement

Amplified Role of Student Engagement in Digital Learning 

The findings from Brookings align with global data, such as the PISA report which indicates that student engagement directly impacts both academic success and classroom behavior.

However, engagement is not solely influenced by traditional classroom factors as the quality of digital learning environments also plays a pivotal role, particularly as schools increasingly integrate technology into daily instruction. 

We at Deledao also see this in our case studies, mirroring these trends. For instance, schools using Deledao’s AI-driven digital wellness tools report significantly lower levels of students attempting to access digitally distracting content, suggesting that well-designed, supportive digital platforms can actually enhance students’ connection to learning as a means of counteracting the passive consumption of information often associated with online instruction. 

Learn more about Deledao's AI-powered K12 classroom management

49% of students do not feel a sense of belonging at school

Engagement Is a Catalyst for Attendance and Belonging 

Notably, only 51% of students surveyed feel a sense of belonging at school, a factor strongly linked to both engagement and attendance. The Brookings report defines engagement through a "four modes" framework, encompassing emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social engagement.

Administrators should recognize that fostering engagement is not just an academic goal but a strategy for combating absenteeism and that when students are genuinely interested in their learning and feel valued within their school communities, they are more likely to attend regularly and thrive. 

3 Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in K12 Schools 

To address the engagement gap and improve the quality of digital and in-person learning environments, the Brookings report offers several actionable strategies: 

1) Ask Students About Their Experiences

Incorporate regular student surveys to assess perceptions of their learning environments, using these insights to drive improvements. 

2) Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

Shift the focus of family engagement efforts from attendance metrics to deeper conversations about the quality of students’ learning experiences. 

3) Invest in Effective Digital Tools

Choose technologies that not only support instruction but also actively foster student participation, curiosity, and creativity. 

Also read: Nearly half of K12 students are online ‘almost constantly'

The Future of Student Engagement: Dual Emphasis

Chronic absenteeism and disengagement are complex challenges requiring multifaceted solutions. The prioritization of student engagement as a central focus of their strategies will help K12 administrators create learning environments that not only bring students to school but also inspire them to stay, participate, and succeed. 

This dual emphasis on quality education and meaningful connections (both in classrooms and in digital spaces) represents the path forward for schools committed to overcoming the challenges of today’s educational landscape. With the insights offered by the Brookings report and tools like Deledao, administrators have the opportunity to transform engagement into a cornerstone of student success.