Teachers should learn about students' lives and commitments outside school and build relationships, which students say increases respect, effort, and engagement¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Students reported that activities outside school—jobs, caring for siblings, volunteering, theater—build skills like teamwork, time management, organization, and leadership, but teachers are often unaware of these commitments. Students believe that if teachers knew more of their outside engagements, teachers could create learning experiences that reflect and respond to their interests and strengths. Students also report stronger relationships with teachers who take time to understand how they are doing and incorporate that into teaching.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers need time and structures to learn about students' outside commitments and incorporate them into teaching.

Constraints¶

• With large comprehensive high schools, teachers typically face teaching anywhere from 100 to 150 students a day, which students say limits individualized relationships and feedback.

Target Learners¶

• high school students, including those with jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and extracurricular commitments

Target Learning Goals¶

• student-teacher relationships and sense of belonging
• engagement and participation in school
• recognition of durable skills developed outside school

Related Strategies¶

• Build Relationships with Each Student
• Engage with Empathy

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Viki M. Young, Ph.D., Mai Chou Vang, Zareen Kasad, Isabelle Acosta, and Alicia Frausto with Cassie Graves. (2026). Reimagining High School: Student Experiences Today, Hopes for Tomorrow. Digital Promise, Center for Learner Pathway Innovations. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/22bd5fad-ec7b-4ec7-a86f-0bed0800ba30