Beyond the Buzzword: What Engagement Really Looks Like in K–12

Outline

This will be a true panel discussion. Here are some example questions we would ask, though we would adapt based on the final list of panelists:

Opening & Framing (10 min)

The report shows that 93% of educators say engagement is key to achievement, yet less than half of students feel their teachers notice when they’re engaged. How do you personally define “student engagement,” and what does it look like in your context?

Follow-up: How do you ensure your definition is shared across your school or district?

Measuring & Recognizing Engagement (10 min)

Given that engagement is hard to measure and often expressed in subtle ways, what tools or strategies have you found effective for recognizing and supporting engagement—especially among quieter or less visible students?

How do you balance the need for measurable outcomes (like assessments) with the importance of less visible indicators of engagement, such as curiosity, persistence, or self-reflection?

Addressing Barriers & Challenges (5 min)

The report notes that students often feel both overwhelmed and under-challenged. How do you identify and address these barriers in your classrooms or schools?

Follow-up: What role does student voice play in shaping the level of challenge and support?
Technology and AI are changing the landscape of engagement and distraction. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see in leveraging technology to fuel, rather than hinder, engagement?

Strategies & Solutions (10 min)

What are some actionable strategies or practices you’ve implemented to make learning more meaningful and relevant for students? Can you share a real-world example from your district or school?

The report suggests that time and resources are major barriers for teachers. What supports or system-level changes have you found most effective in helping educators create engaging learning environments?

Bridging Perception Gaps & Building Alignment (5 min)

How do you foster shared language and understanding about engagement among educators, students, and families? What has worked well—and what remains challenging?

Principals often bridge the gap between district goals and classroom realities. How do you ensure alignment and support for engagement strategies across all levels of your school or district?

Student & Family Perspective (5 Min)

How do you incorporate student and family feedback into your engagement strategies? Can you share a time when listening to these voices led to a meaningful change?

Looking Forward (10 min)

What advice would you give to other education leaders who are struggling to recognize and support engagement in their own communities?

Outcomes

Attendees will walk away with:

Fresh data on how engagement is perceived across students, educators, and families and where perceptions diverge

Key insights into why engagement is so hard to measure, and what to do about it

Actionable strategies to recognize and support engagement across grades, subjects, and student needs

Real-world examples from districts taking steps to close the gap

Supporting research

https://www-media.discoveryeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DE-Education-Insights-2025-2026.pdf