Report Explores Hyperlink Between Scholar Engagement and Studying
Over 90% of academics, principals, and superintendents agree that scholar engagement is a essential metric for understanding general achievement, based on a brand new survey report from Discovery Schooling. But engagement is difficult to outline, the researchers discovered, and educators disagree on its high indicators.
For its “Schooling Insights 2025-2026: Fueling Studying Although Engagement” report, Discovery Schooling polled 1,398 superintendents, academics, dad and mom, and college students from throughout america about what engagement seems like, how greatest to measure it, and tips on how to maintain it. Survey knowledge was collected in Might 2025 by Hanover Analysis.
Throughout educator responses, there was broad settlement on the highest two indicators of an engaged scholar: asking considerate questions and contributing to classroom dialogue. Past these measures, nevertheless, responses by educator persona tended to vary. For instance, whereas 54% of superintendents recognized performing properly on assessments as a high engagement indicator, solely 29% of academics stated the identical. And whereas simply over half of superintendents and principals thought-about spending further time on research a high indicator of engagement, solely 22% of academics agreed.
Faculty leaders and academics additionally disagreed on whether or not their colleges have programs in place for measuring scholar engagement. Whereas the overwhelming majority of superintendents (99%) and principals (88%) stated their district has an intentional strategy for measuring scholar engagement, solely 60% of academics stated the identical. And about one in three academics stated the absence of a transparent, shared definition of scholar engagement is a key impediment to efficient measurement.
“Probably the most necessary findings of this report is that engagement is seen as important to studying, however is inconsistently outlined, noticed, and supported in Ok-12 lecture rooms,” commented Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Schooling, in an announcement. “I consider this highlights the necessity for a extra standardized strategy to measuring scholar engagement and connecting it to tutorial achievement. Discovery Schooling has launched into an effort to deal with these challenges, and we stay up for sharing extra as our work progresses.”
The survey additionally requested about respondents’ notion of AI in instructing and studying. Key findings there embrace:
- 66% of scholars consider AI might assist them be taught quicker.
- 57% of academics stated they use AI to finish duties at college.
- 98% of superintendents and 87% of principals agree with the assertion “I incessantly study constructive methods college students are utilizing AI,” in comparison with 57% of academics.
- 94% of superintendents and 83% of principals stated they’re excited concerning the potential for AI to assist instructing and studying, in comparison with 53% of academics.
- 100% of superintendents agree that AI should be applied rigorously to keep away from detrimental penalties.
The total report is obtainable on the Discovery Schooling web site right here (registration required). As well as, the corporate is internet hosting a webinar on Oct. 8 at 2:00 PM ET, during which a panel of schooling leaders will break down the report findings and share their very own insights. Discover further particulars and occasion registration right here.
In regards to the Writer
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Know-how, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She could be reached at [email protected].