Student motivation and engagement are foremost concerns among educators. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, most researchers note an important distinction between them. Engagement refers to a student’s active involvement in, and commitment to, academic and social activities in school, and motivation refers to the internal drive to engage (Reschly & Christenson, 2022). When viewed this way, motivation is necessary, but not sufficient for engagement. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

George Bear, PhD, is a professor emeritus of school psychology at the University of Delaware. He has written or edited 12 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters focusing primarily on children’s moral development, school discipline, and school climate. He is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the National Association of School Psychologists. 

Angela Soltys, PhD, is a practicing school psychologist in the Red Clay School District of Delaware, with research interests in the areas of school climate, social and emotional competence, and classroom management and disciplinary techniques.

This NASP Laminated Guide is an updated version of a resource from Helping Handouts: Supporting Students at School and Home, an online digital publication featuring more than 80 handouts for educators and caregivers. To learn more about Helping Handouts, visit https://apps.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/book-store.aspx. 

ISBN: 978-0-932955-44-9

This 6-page, laminated quick-reference guide is must for any School Psychologist or educator. This guide includes information on:

• What to Consider When Selecting Interventions and Supports
• Recommendations
• Recommended Resources