Post-Pandemic Decline in Student Engagement in U.S. Schools
A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that high school students feel less connected to their schools in 2023 compared to 2021. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 62% of students reported feeling close to people at their school in 2021, but this number dropped to 55% in 2023. The decline in connection comes amid rising chronic absenteeism and behavioral challenges in schools following the pandemic.
The report highlights that this sense of disconnection is most pronounced among female students, with only 50% feeling connected to their school, compared to 60% of male students.
Education experts point out that strong student-school relationships positively impact mental health, reduce absenteeism, improve academic performance, and increase school attendance. Education leader David Arencibia warned that the current decline in student connection has brought schools to a critical juncture, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address the issue. The loss of experienced teachers and administrators after the pandemic has further weakened student relationships, compounding the problem.
To tackle this, the Department of Education recommends implementing strategies such as mentoring programs, student clubs, and classroom management training for teachers to strengthen school culture and foster greater student engagement.