US Education Policy

A Crisis of Student Belonging

June 10, 2024  • Education and Society Program

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American youth face an acute crisis of belonging, marked by increasing alienation, anxiety, and absenteeism among students, that jeopardizes their educational experiences, mental health, and future success. Educators, policymakers, and community leaders are called upon to develop a strategic and comprehensive response. This brief contains research-backed context on the belonging crisis and key recommendations on how schools can foster student belonging so every child feels valued, understood, and connected.