News

Apr 17, 2024

Report Card: Student Perspective on U.S. Schools

The Gallup survey found that schools can do better when it comes to keeping students engaged, inspired and hopeful about the future. They want schools to step up and take unique, innovative approaches

The Gallup survey found that schools can do better when it comes to keeping students engaged, inspired and hopeful about the future. They want schools to step up and take unique, innovative approaches to match their student’s distinct needs. Luckily, there are innovative educators, community leaders and Gen Zers creating new solutions to address areas where schools aren’t making the grade today.

Not enough U.S. students feel excited to learn at school.

Related Content: Read how Tony Weaver, founder of Weird Enough Productions, leverages captivating comics to enrich social emotional learning, literacy and digital citizenship in the classroom.

Most students think their school does an okay job exposing them to diverse opinions.

Related Content: Krasi Staykov is a driving force in Kentucky, advocating for the inclusion of diverse student voices across the entire education system. Read more about Krasi's work with the Kentucky Student Voice team.

Students think their schools can do more to support unique learning needs.

Related Content: As a Gen Zer, Jacob Idra highlights the effectiveness of integrating students' passions and purpose into the learning process. Read more about how Jacob is nurturing Gen Z creativity.

Most students think their teachers are doing a good, or even great, job.

Related Content: Jadyn Felming attributes her classroom success to the dedicated teachers who invested their time, attention and unwavering commitment to her growth. Read more from Jadyn on teacher representation and appreciation.

School safety is still a big concern for students. A student’s racial identity makes a big difference in how safe they feel at school.

Related Content: In partnership with Murmuration, we discovered that 82% of Gen Z considers putting an end to school shootings a critical issue in America.

Students who feel more included have much higher grades than those who don’t.

Related Content: In high school, Tricia Noyola was discouraged from attending college. Today she's CEO of Rocky Mountain Prep. Read more from Tricia on the importance of building a foundation of love and respect for students in schools.

Students want their schools to provide more information on potential career pathways.

Related Content: Javier Llanos, a graduate of and now teacher for the Collegiate Edu-Nation program, understands the crucial need for building education-to-career pathways. Read how these pathways are sparking opportunity for Javier and other rural students.

Students want more from their schools to prepare them for the future.

Related Content: Delashay Lawrence recognizes that with the right educational foundation, one can chart their own unlimited future, no matter their circumstance or background. Read more from Delashay about overcoming generational adversity.

Many schools are using technology to enhance student learning.

Related Content: Read how Kentucky high school student Zachary Clifton is using ChatGPT as a tool to identify gaps his understanding.

Students in the United States continue to face significant mental health challenges.

Related Content: Read more from White Plains High School student Emiliano Juarez on his struggles with mental health and the importance of in-person learning.

In schools today, there is an urgent need for equitable treatment irrespective of race/ethnicity, gender and identity.

Related Content: Through collaboration with classmates, Illinois student Zahir Mbengue championed a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect in his community. Read more Zahir on how to be a changemaker in your school.