Battelle for Kids Releases White Paper on Boosting Student Engagement and Motivation
New research-driven strategies to reignite motivation and connection in schools
Columbus, Ohio (Feb. 4, 2025) – Battelle for Kids, a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready, announces the release of its white paper, “Students as Meaning Makers: Why Academic Solutions Aren’t Enough.”
The impactful resource underscores the urgent need to foster educational cultures rooted in hope, resilience, and belonging to reverse the decline in student motivation and engagement in PreK-12 education.
The lack of motivation has contributed to lower academic performance and increased dropout rates. Recent data shows student engagement and connection are at an all-time low. According to a recent report by The 74 Million, only 44% of 12th graders report “learning a great deal” in school, compared to 86% of third graders. The percentage of students who “love” going to school plummets from 74% in third grade to 29% by 12th grade, and just 36% of middle and high school students feel they can develop their own ideas at school.
The white paper sheds light on these critical trends and provides actionable strategies to transform schools into environments where students feel empowered, connected, and motivated to succeed.
“To solve today’s challenges in education, we must look beyond superficial fixes and address the deeply rooted systemic issues impacting student motivation and engagement,” said Mike Duncan, CEO of Battelle for Kids. “Through this white paper, we share a clear vision for creating personalized, impactful learning experiences that allow every student to thrive—both academically and in their future endeavors.”
Battelle for Kids’ proven Portrait of a Graduate solution empowers schools to define their “north star” and build systems that equip students with durable skills like adaptability, communication, and critical thinking. Schools and districts that partner with Battelle for Kids gain access to the EdLeader21 national network, enabling collaboration with like-minded educators and districts working to solve shared challenges. The Well-Being Lab by Battelle for Kids is grounded in research emphasizing the role of hope and resilience in student success. Its Core 4 Framework—Chart Your Course, Master Your Mind, Harness Your Strengths, and Cultivate Your Community—guides schools to build systems that support student well-being and growth. By applying these principles, educators can create learning environments where students feel empowered, connected, and prepared to take on new challenges.
“Battelle for Kids is committed to helping educators build spaces that empower students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Duncan. “This white paper offers a clear roadmap for impacting education, enabling schools to address the challenges students face today while preparing them for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
To access the white paper, “Students as Meaning Makers: Why Academic Solutions Aren’t Enough” and to learn more about how Battelle for Kids is driving change in education, visit https://bfk.me/meaningmakers.
About Battelle for Kids
Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization helping to empower educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready. BFK has helped hundreds of school districts and state agencies design, launch, and bring their shared community visions—the Portrait of a Graduate—to life, impacting the learning experiences of millions of students nationwide. For more information, visit bfk.org.
Media Contact
Jon Kannenberg
jon.kannenberg@finnpartners.com
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