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NJ Tops List: Where Kids Care Most
3 Sep
Summary
- New Jersey leads in student engagement, a study found.
- Alaska ranked last in children's focus on schoolwork.
- Study surveyed over 70,000 children nationwide.

A comprehensive study by the National Survey of Children's Health has identified significant state-by-state differences in how engaged children are with their schooling. The findings, based on responses from over 70,000 children aged 6 to 17, indicate that New Jersey has the highest percentage of students who consistently care about doing well and completing homework.
Conversely, Alaska was found to have the lowest level of student engagement. The study categorized children into three groups: 'always,' 'usually,' and 'sometimes or never' engaged, relying on parental and guardian input. While the Northeast region generally showed higher engagement, the data serves as a snapshot of reported motivation rather than academic performance.
Factors such as family routines, disability needs, school workload, and access to support services can influence these engagement levels. The interpretation of engagement terms may also vary among respondents, highlighting the multifaceted nature of a child's connection to their education. Many states in the Northeast, including Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, also reported high engagement.