New Student Engagement Strategies for Schools
Teachers and parents can now access evidence-based strategies to help students navigate school avoidance and academic pressure.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Learnovate Centre has released new findings from the Engaging Minds project to address student disengagement in classrooms. The project provides practical tools for educators and families to help students struggling with school avoidance and academic pressures.
Why it matters
Rising student disengagement since the Covid-19 pandemic is linked to anxiety and technology use, prompting schools to implement new support strategies. Understanding these methods can help parents better advocate for their child's needs during school support meetings.
Ireland reported an early school leaving rate of 3.6 percent in 2025, significantly lower than the European Union average of 9.1 percent. Research from the Engaging Minds project identifies student disengagement as a growing issue often tied to anxiety and technology use.
The players
Learnovate Centre
An educational research institution focused on developing evidence-based practices to improve student engagement.
St Joseph's Secondary School
A secondary school in Rush, Co. Dublin, that participated in the Engaging Minds project.
The details
Participating schools utilize strategies such as screen-use policies, personalized learning plans, and peer mentoring to re-engage students. St Joseph's Secondary School in Rush, Co. Dublin, holds weekly support team meetings to identify concerns early and coordinate individual responses. These interventions are designed to bridge the gap between academic pressures and student well-being.
Timeline
2025: Ireland early school leaving rate was recorded at 3.6 percent.
early 2027: New digital engagement toolkit to be piloted in schools.
The Home Front
The Engaging Minds project addresses the post-Covid-19 increase in student school avoidance by providing actionable strategies for schools. These efforts mirror broader international attempts to improve educational retention and student mental health outcomes.
Parents should talk with their child's teachers about available support team resources if they notice signs of school avoidance or anxiety. Reviewing local school policies on screen use and personalized learning plans can also help facilitate a more supportive academic environment at home.
The takeaway
Student disengagement often stems from a combination of academic pressure and technology usage. Families should prioritize open communication with school support teams to address these challenges before they impact student attendance.
What happens next
A new digital engagement toolkit is scheduled to begin pilot testing in various schools across Europe starting in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on navigating school resources, visit Secondary Education.
More information
Access the complete Engaging Minds project handbook and resources to review the findings and classroom strategies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Advertiser Newspaper Group.
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