The results of a Gallup Poll and Walton Family Foundation survey (August 2024) of children and young adults in the US are in and the results don’t look promising for student confidence and optimism regarding their futures. The data is clear - schools are struggling to engage their students.
This most recent survey is part of the multiyear Voices of Gen Z study - a research effort to understand the educational and life experiences of this generation.
You can view the survey here:
 Here is a summary of the highlights:
25% to 54% of Gen Z K-12 students are lacking engaging school experiences.
Engagement is particularly low among non-college-bound students.
Students are most excited to learn when teachers make it interesting and tie the learning to hands-on real world experiences.
The extent to which a student feels optimistic and prepared for their future is directly linked to how engaged they feel in the classroom. Less than 2 in 10 students feel that what they are learning in class feels important, challenging or aligned with their natural talents. This disconnect is most high among students that don’t want to attend college. Previous Gallup research shows that student engagement declines as students progress along their K-12 journeys.
If we are to expect students to have success as they enter adulthood, we have to design experiences that align with their natural talents, genius and passions. Â
At FORGE, we have learned that when you design a curriculum that exposes a learner to an array of subjects (STEAM, Multimedia, Traditional Art, Outdoor Leadership, Building Trades, Automotive) there will be a spark of interest in one or more of those disciplines. When we witness that spark, we broaden and deepen their exposure through hands-on, experiential projects and problem solving. Thus, learners remain engaged, eventually become self directed and develop a love of learning.
Pay attention to your middle and high schooler relative to their school engagement and well being. If they are checked out, please reach out or find ways to get them exposed to activities that inspire and spark their individual genius!
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