An alarming statistic was published several weeks ago by Gallup: only 33% of fifth through 12th grade students surveyed felt they were success-ready. When breaking down the factors that lead to success, Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D., suggests hope, engagement and well-being. Also telling about student attitudes today: they were asked to imagine a ladder with zero at the bottom and 10 at the top – 10 is the best possible life and zero the worst. Not only did students feel unprepared for success, but their “life ratings” also diminished from fifth through 12th grades.
Let’s put aside how gut-wrenching it is that we are failing the next generation and focus on what Lopez suggests can be done. Survey results show that those students with teachers who make them excited about their future show higher percentages who feel hopeful, engaged and thriving.