Definition of "high school engagement"

The concept of "high school engagement" refers to both "academic engagement" and "social engagement." A student's academic engagement is defined as their identification with, and participation in, the academic aspects of school. Academic aspects of school include the students' dealings with teachers, curricula, and the school governance. Social engagement is defined as the identification with, and participation in, the social aspects of school. It involves both a feeling of belonging to the school's social environment and a sense of fit between the individual and the school. This connection reflects the extent to which students feel personally accepted, respected, included and supported by others in the school's social environment.