Teachers, more than any other person in the school, have the greatest potential to get students engaged in school and in learning. Creating student-directed learning experiences that challenge, stimulate, and engage kids not only raises test scores, it also fosters life-long learners prepared for success in today's globally connected world. This "Focus On" defines student engagement and its benefits and offers suggestions for ways teachers and schools can increase engagement in their classrooms. "Close Up" discussion questions are included throughout to facilitate discussion and reflection. (Contains 9 web resources and 6 resources.)