Lack of motivation and enthusiasm for school is directly related to poor school performance and low graduation rates.
69% of Michigan students tell us that they are not fully motivated to learn.
They tell us:
In order to improve our schools, inspire our students to learn and achieve more, we have to understand what motivates them.
Education initiatives—no matter how well planned or executed—risk falling short of their goals without student buy-in and commitment to learning.
The Michigan Student Inspiration Project:
The Student Inspiration Project is the only one of its kind in Michigan.
It was designed on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to leverage private funds to inspire and motivate children in grades four through eight to commit to and more fully engage with their own education.
As a grassroots initiative, the Student Inspiration Project relies on the support of Foundations, Businesses, and individuals to support its programs and projects.
Donations to the Michigan Student Inspiration Project can be made via the Library of Michigan Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, public charity governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Foundation provides opportunities for charitable giving to benefit, among other things, special programs and projects otherwise not provided through state or federal funding.
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A majority believe it is ok to say they are not good in a subject because “some kids just don’t get” that subject. For example 62% of children agree that its okay to say “I’m not good in science” because some kids just don’t get science. 62% also say this is true for math and 59% say that its okay to say “I'm not good at reading” because some kids struggle with reading.
92% say having an understanding of why they are asked to learn certain things is “very important to student success,” yet only 44% say this describes their school “very well.” And 66% of Michigan students surveyed believe that schools focus too much on memorization and not enough on thinking.
A majority say technology would be helpful in accomplishing making learning more fun (65%), allowing them to work at their own speed (63%) and/or learn outside of the classroom through videos or online lessons (59%).
52% say that trying to do well is a reason some kids get made fun of at their school and 36% worry what their friends might think of them if they were to participate in class often. And when it comes to asking for help. 50% say that they strongly agree that it is important to ask teachers for help, but only 38% think their friends feel the same way.
"At my school, there's criticism from other students to those who do well and try."
"They need to listen to the students more. Most of the teachers don’t care what we have to say."
The “Almost Worst Ideas” integrated messaging campaign will speak to early adolescents across the state--in both urban and rural areas and socio-economically disadvantaged communities--wherever they engage with one another: on the web, in school and at home.
The “Almost Worst Ideas” website will feature “Almost Worst Ideas” – like taking a selfie with a skunk or trying to run in flippers – that are selected from student submissions, as well as ideas and experiences from well known celebrities.
Kids will vote on “Almost Worst Ideas” submissions. Winning submissions will be rewarded and posted.
Schools and teachers across the state can opt-in to join the program and, along with posters, will be provided reward stickers that contain codes for exclusive website content or power ups for the integrated game app.
The game app will feature “Almost Worst Ideas” scenarios that end with the message “There’s nothing worse than blowing off school” and can be played on personal devices as well as home laptops and computers.
At home support will include t-shirts, communication from school, bumper stickers and magnets.
The entire local education community at participating schools will also be included in the “Almost Worst Ideas” campaign through ongoing communication with teachers, schools, districts and parents that includes conferences, webinars and social media sites geared to parents and teachers.
The “Almost Worst Ideas” campaign was developed with the help of nearly 90 Michigan students who gave advice and program feedback in the spring and summer of 2014. The campaign was then tested via online survey among 220 Michigan 4th-8th graders in the fall of 2014.
It has a great message with humor.
7th Grade Girl, Redford
Kids should pay attention to this because they can share ideas no one else may think of.
6th Grade Boy, Caledonia
I'd like to come up with a funny worst idea!
Parent of a 5th Grade Boy, Battle Creek
I think this is a great idea for kids my son age and older most kids think it's cool to skip school.
Parent of a 4th Grade Boy, Flint
“Almost Worst Ideas” campaign launch in targeted media areas in Michigan. Any school can opt-in to be included.
Sponsor “student voice forums” to promote the voices of students in school improvement and achievement initiatives.
21 West Main Street, floor 5
Waterbury, CT 06702
To contribute on-line and make a tax-deductible contribution to the Library of Michigan Foundation, click the button below:
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Custom presentations and webinars for your colleagues can be arranged by contacting Kristen at KRISTEN.HARMELING@YOUGOV.COM. Monetary and in-kind donations are gladly accepted, sponsorship opportunities are available.
Research on why students are disengaged from school and what can be done about it was conducted with close to 3,000 Michigan students and parents, 1,000 Michigan teachers, 325 principals and 50 superintendents.
The findings from this research resulted in the development of the Michigan Student Inspiration Project and programs for improving the educational experience and achievement of Michigan students in grades 4 through 8. Click here to download the project’s foundation document.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation, Michigan State University (MSU) Department of K-12 Outreach, YouGov, a global research and consulting firm, and Leo Burnett, the advertising company, as well as other key stakeholders, make up the project team for the Michigan Student Inspiration Project.
With the initial research phase now complete, the Michigan Student Inspiration Project is ready to launch its first program, “Almost Worst Ideas”.
Designed by Leo Burnett, from their Troy, Michigan offices, “Almost Worst Ideas” is a messaging campaign that puts kids in the spotlight as creators and participants.
Using the staples of adolescent vocabulary, humor and exaggeration, ”Almost Worst Ideas” features kids reinforcing the message that there is nothing worse than not giving your full commitment to school.
