Kids who feel supported and cared for as learners and as individuals by the adults and students in their school do better--both in and out of school.

Research shows that liking and feeling connected to school is a very important protective factor for kids that positively influences not just academics but also their social and emotional health.  Unfortunately, too many kids feel disconnected from school.

The 2007 Minnesota Student Survey included three questions that help measure how connected our students feel toward school:

1. How do you feel about going to school?
2. How many of your teachers are interested in you as a person?
3. How much do you feel teachers/other adults at school care about you?

Here are results for students in Suburban Ramsey County:

• More than one in five 6th, 9th, and 12th grade boys said they didn't like or hated school. 
• Nearly one in six 9th and 12th grade girls agreed. 
• More than one in three 9th graders said none or only a few teachers are interested in them as a person. 
• More than one in five 6th and 12th graders agreed. 
• Less than half of 9th and 12th graders believe teachers and other adults at school care about them very much or quite a bit.

While many kids go through phases where they don't like school, if your child's lack of interest in school persists, it is important to get involved and see what you, your child, and your child's teacher(s) can do to get your child back on track.  Start by talking with your child to see if there is something in particular bothering them.  Maybe they are having trouble making friends, maybe they don't understand their school work, maybe they are being teased on the school bus. 

Depending on what you learn, schedule a time for a one to one conversation with your child's teacher.  Explain your concerns and ask for the teacher's perspective.  Approach this as a team where each of you (your child, you, and the teacher and/or school staff) have a role in figuring out and following through on what to do. 

No child can afford to "give up" on school.  Researchers estimate that high school graduates earn $1,000,000 more in their lifetime than those who don't graduate.  The future is dimmer without a high school diploma.

Other Resources:

Advocating for your Child at School

If a Child is Falling Behind Academically

If Your Child is Struggling

Signs a Child is at Risk for Skipping School

Bullying