Student engagement and achievement in American secondary schools

Abstract

In 1985 the federal government funded two 5-year centres to conduct research on effective schools. Student Engagement and Achievement in American Secondary presents the findings of one of these studies, as carried out by the National Center of Effective Secondary Schools located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Editor Fred M. Newmann and the other contributors to this study examine existing research, detail their own findings, and propose concrete strategies for improving students' achievement in secondary schools. The range of topics discussed include: the significance and sources of student engagement; taking students seriously; higher-order thinking and prospects for classroom thoughtfulness; building new programmes for students at risk; cultivating teacher engagement; and putting schools in perspective. A conclusion by Newmann rounds out the book and asks the question, What have we learned about how to enhance student engagement and achievement in American secondary schools? Chapter authors include Adam Gamoran, Susie D. Lamborn, Karen Seashore Louis, and Gary G. Wehlage. This book should be useful for anyone interested in helping secondary school students be successful, including researchers, curriculum and instruction supervisors, secondary school principals, and pre- and in-service teachers.