High-Impact Practices for Student Engagement

5 evidence-based strategies your team can start using today to strengthen relationships and increase student progress

Student engagement isn’t a “nice to have” in special education; it’s one of the strongest predictors of meaningful progress.

Across Parallel’s 2024–2025 partnerships, 98% of students receiving remote services met or exceeded their IEP goal expectations. After every session, students also completed a brief Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) check-in, rating how they felt about their progress, the session, and their relationship with their educator on a 0–10 scale. The result was an average ROM score of 9.28 across all service lines; a clear signal that when students feel connected, supported, and engaged, growth follows.

The strategies below reflect what we see in practice every day. They don’t require new curriculum or hours of prep, just small, consistent moves that help students feel safe, capable, and ready to learn, leading to meaningful outcomes. 

1. Start Every Session With a 60-Second Connection Ritual

What this is: A short, predictable check-in that helps the student feel seen before diving into work.
Why it works: Research shows relationships are foundational to engagement; even brief personal connections improve motivation and effort.
How to do it today:

• Ask a simple question (“What’s one good thing that happened today?”)
• Use a mood emoji scale or Mood Meter
• Let the student choose between two warm-up tasks
  
  

2. Use “Micro-Choice” Moments to Build Ownership

What this is: Giving students small choices within a structured session.
Why it works: Choice increases buy-in and reduces resistance, especially for students with attention or anxiety challenges.
Try these today:

• “Which skill do you want to start with?”
• “Pick the tool we’ll use for this activity.”
• “Do you want to read first or write first?”

3. Set a Clear, Achievable Goal Every Session

What this is: A simple statement of what you’ll accomplish together.
Why it works: Students understand the “why,” and adults can reinforce progress more easily.
Today’s implementation:

• Share the goal in student-friendly language
• Celebrate when it’s met (“You did it — I’m proud of that work!”)
• Keep it visible on a sticky note or whiteboard

4. End With a Quick Reflection or ROM-Style Check-In

What this is: A 10–20 second prompt that lets students reflect on their effort and understanding.
Why it works: Reflection increases retention, clarifies progress, and builds self-awareness.
Try this today:

• “How did today go?” (thumbs-up scale)
• “What felt easier today than last time?”
• “One thing you want to work on next session?”
  
  

5. Celebrate Progress — Not Perfection

What this is: A strengths-based approach to feedback.
Why it works: Positive reinforcement increases persistence, confidence, and willingness to take risks.
Ways to do it today:

• Acknowledge effort (“You kept trying even when it was hard.”)
• Highlight one specific win
• Keep a visible “progress tracker” or “celebration moment” chart

Engagement doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intention, consistency, and trust.

The practices above mirror what drove strong outcomes across Parallel’s 2024–2025 data: students who felt supported, understood the purpose of their work, and had space to reflect on their progress were more engaged and more likely to meet their goals. When connection is prioritized, progress becomes visible.

Whether services are delivered in person or remotely, these small shifts can strengthen relationships, increase confidence, and create the conditions students need to succeed.

Want to explore how engagement, data, and clinical support come together at the systems level?
Schedule 30 minutes with our District Partnerships Director to learn how Parallel helps districts empower educators and ensure every student receives the individualized support they’re owed