Analysis of student engagement of 7th grade students in Elbert County, Georgia

High school dropout is a problem in the United States, particularly for students of low socioeconomic status. A high level of student engagement will help students achieve graduation. In this study, the researcher used existing data collected from the Student Engagement Instrument to examine engagement among students in the 7th grade at Elbert County Middle School (rural Georgia), where poverty is higher than the national and state average. Significant differences were found between the higher and lower scoring constructs. Constructs scored (from highest to lowest): future goals and aspirations, family support for learning, intrinsic reward, peer support for learning, control for school work and relevance, 4-H relationship and teacher student relationship. No significant differences were found in engagement values between demographic groups, including racial/ethnic groups (Latino, non-Latino White and non-Latino Black/Biracial students).