Here is a book that articulates that it’s going to take more than testing or one ‘right’ answer to improve our schools! Spotlight on Student Engagement, Motivation, and Achievement will help educators and policy makers understand the complex challenges involved in teaching for engagement and reaching beyond the classroom. Anyone concerned about the state of education should read this thoughtful book. — Marya R. Levenson, Harry S. Levitan Director of the Brandeis Education Program, Brandeis University; codirector, Public Schools for Tomorrow

High school leaders know that motivation is a critical factor in student achievement. This collection poses challenging questions for us: Are we focusing on students’ assets, rather than deficits? Are we listening to student voices about how to improve our school? Does our curriculum support students’ quest to develop their own identities? Do we teach students how to cultivate appropriate social behaviors? Are we building supportive, caring relationships with students and their families? These questions—and our answers—can help connect student engagement with our school improvement efforts. — Laura A. Cooper, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, Illinois