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Views of others on student needs
Finally, we need to look at studies that are not necessarily directly reporting young people's voices, but provide perspectives on students' engagement with school, particularly for this population group.
The Annotated Bibliography includes some studies (though not in any way a comprehensive list) that report, interpret or 'draw on' large-scale survey research, program observation or theory. These studies on the whole endorse the themes raised by young people. Few of these, however, deal with young people with high support needs in mental health.
The studies included here report that engagement with school is enhanced by:
A holistic approach
- Broad-based support that recognises the multi-dimensional lives of the young people;
- Building community links as part of the curriculum;
- Holistic or integrated curriculum content and approaches;
- Connection to school and to significant others though extra-curricular involvement.
Strong relationships
- Specific activities designed to assist the development of positive relationships and of engagement with the school;
- Development of strong peer support and peer leadership;
- Recognition that it is not just any relationship, but the type of connection and relationship that is important as a protective factor.
Relevant curriculum content and approaches
- A curriculum that is relevant to young people's lives, needs and aspirations;
- Teaching and learning approaches that are active, hands-on and purposeful;
- Authentic assessment.
Shared decision-making
- Negotiated curriculum plans;
- Inclusion in decision-making;
- Collaborative classroom and whole school approaches.
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