In 2004 the CASS Foundation commissioned a survey of current research and practice relating to engagement in schooling from Monash University’s Faculty of Education. 

The Monash report, Student disengagement from primary schooling: a review of research and practice (2004), identified a matrix of characteristics of engaging schools and a series of educational principles contributing to positive engagement in schooling, based on the analysis of case studies from Australia, Canada and the UK. 

The report concluded that while the focus of recent programs addressing disengagement has been the middle secondary years of schooling, many students in fact become disengaged from learning at primary school, and it recommends further research at this level.  

The report and a summary document are available for download as PDF files.

1  Full Report

2  Summary Report