Top 3 findings from America’s Promise Alliance most recent report

The past year has been particularly challenging for many Americans. From the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the outcry for social justice, students are experiencing many challenges in and out of the classroom. In an effort to better understand the impact the 2020-21 school year has had on high schoolers, America’s Promise Alliance and Research for Action conducted a survey of more than 2400 students. This report aims to determine how schools can implement well-rounded academic, social, and emotional supports for youth.

Here are the major findings from the report, Where Do We Go Next? Youth Insights on the High School Experience During a Year of Historic Upheaval:

1. High schoolers are struggling mentally and feel disconnected from peers and adults.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the report found that there was an increase in mood disorders and a decline in mental health amongst young people, which has exacerbated in the last year. Three out of four students reported a weakened sense of mental health and well-being in the 30 days prior to completing the survey. These numbers were particularly high for female and non-binary students, as well as those experiencing food insecurity.

Feeling a sense of connection to adults and peers contributes to an increase in emotional development and overall well-being for students. High schoolers are currently experiencing a decline in mental health without the connections that would allow them to contend with the challenges of the past year. Forty-seven percent of students felt somewhat or very connected to teachers, while 41 percent felt close to classmates, and 39 percent to peers in their communities. This means that most students surveyed lack access to critical relationships that can improve their mental health and well-being. Students are lacking the critical relationships and socialization time that contributes to positive mental health and well-being.

2. Students experience varying opportunities to learn about race and racism in the classroom.

Although media and news coverage has been rife with discussions around police violence, protests, and calls for racial justice, many students report a lack of opportunities to have these conversations in school. And while some students reported opportunities to learn more about race and racism in school, 45 percent of those surveyed admitted that they have not had the chance to discuss these topics in the classroom. Learning about race and racism in school leads to higher levels of critical consciousness and social action in students. Those with exposure to discussions on race and racism in the classroom were more likely to believe in the importance of equality, compared to those not involved in these conversations.

3. Students that are most connected to teachers and peers feel challenged academically, and ready for post-secondary education.

The report found that 78 percent of students’ reported disrupted or altered postsecondary plans, but still remain hopeful for the future. Sixty-six percent plan to attend community college or a four-year institution post-graduation. Two-thirds of high schoolers appear to have an idea of where their career interests lie, but feel that school isn’t adequately preparing them for life after graduation. Sixty-four percent of those surveyed believe that their experiences in high school are preparing them for success and teaching them valuable skills. Around 77 percent of students consider their courses challenging academically, but fewer felt interested in the topics discussed and didn’t look forward to their classes. High schoolers that experience a sense of connectedness, feel interest in school, and intellectually challenged, are more likely to feel prepared for life after high school. Young people who reported a connection to their teachers and classmates (61 percent) felt more prepared for life post-graduation than students who felt less connected (47 percent).

America’s Promise Alliance concludes with recommendations to make the necessary changes to address the mental health of students and ensure equitable access to career pathways, a sense of connectedness with peers, and opportunities for inclusive discourse.  

You can read the full report here, to learn more about recommendations to help support students.