The education community has recognized the issue of student disengagement and brought it into the collective consciousness with terms like closing "the achievement gap," conquering "the fourth-grade slump," and reaching "students at risk."

Engaging the DisEngaged recommends that teachers adopt two key techniques for engaging students: 1) respond to students as persons, not just pupils; and 2) show them how to connect with the topic of study. This practical book explores how teachers can get to know their students and make the connections that will re-engage them as learners. It offers effective ways to gather information about a student as a person and a learner, interpret that information, and use that information to help him or her succeed.