Welcome to The ENGAGE project

Case Studies

A collection of case studies analysing early signs of implicit school dropout and operative strategies to prevent the worsening of the situation.


	Penelope Penelope, inspired by the mythological queen from Homer’s Odyssey, symbolizes quiet resilience, introspection, and the tension between presence and withdrawal. In this case study, Penelope represents a student experiencing intense school-related anxiety and emotional fragility, bordering on social isolation. Like her namesake weaving and unweaving her tapestry, she protects herself through routi... Read More	Italy
	Orlando Orlando, the heroic knight from Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, embodies both courage and vulnerability — a symbol of passion, reason, and madness intertwined. In this case study, Orlando represents a student struggling with emotional dysregulation and behavioral challenges, mirroring the inner turmoil of Ariosto’s character. His name evokes the journey from chaos to self-awareness, refl... Read More	Italy
	Beatrice Beatrice, inspired by Dante Alighieri’s luminous guide in the Divine Comedy, symbolizes wisdom, kindness, and the power of empathy to lead others toward understanding. In this case study, Beatrice represents a student whose warmth, sociability, and quiet determination create harmony within her school community. Her name recalls Dante’s Beatrice — a presence of light and moral clarity — ref... Read More	Italy
	Giuseppe Garibaldi Giuseppe Garibaldi, the 19th-century Italian national hero celebrated for his courage, determination, and vision of unity, serves as a powerful symbol of transformation through collective purpose. In this case study, Garibaldi represents a student learning to channel emotional intensity and past conflict into positive collaboration and shared achievement. Like his namesake, who united diverse forc... Read More	Italy
	Turandot Turandot, the enigmatic princess from Giacomo Puccini’s final opera, embodies strength, intelligence, and the struggle between fear and openness. In this case study, Turandot represents a student whose apparent detachment conceals deep sensitivity and a need for trust. Like Puccini’s heroine, she builds protective barriers through silence and introspection, yet her journey reflects an inner aw... Read More	Italy
	Tom Sawyer Tom Sawyer was chosen as a pseudonym because he represents a curious, imaginative, and rebellious boy who constantly challenges rules and authority. Like the original literary figure, he hides his emotional vulnerability behind a mask of courage, independence, and humor. The name captures the student’s inner conflict between the desire for freedom and the longing for belonging and recognition am... Read More	Bulgaria
	Aladin The pseudonym Aladin was chosen because, like the character from the famous tale, this boy is navigating a challenging and unfamiliar world. As a refugee and foreign student, he faces many obstacles—new language, culture, and educational system—that mirror Aladdin’s journey through unknown territories. He shows resilience and adaptability despite hardships such as trauma and social difficul... Read More	Bulgaria
	Krali Marko The pseudonym "Krali Marko" was chosen because, like the legendary Balkan hero, this boy shows strength and resilience despite his challenges with ADHD and dyslexia. He struggles academically and with motivation but remains socially strong and adaptable. The name reflects his inner courage, determination, and potential to overcome difficulties, especially through practical skills and sports, symbo... Read More	Bulgaria
	Queen Elizabeth Student Profile Queen Elizabeth is a highly capable student with strong academic performance, particularly in English, as she was born in an English-speaking country. Despite her linguistic talents and good grades, she is extremely shy and rarely speaks in class unless directly asked, and even then, her voice is barely audible. She has very few friends and does not initiate conversations, preferri... Read More	Poland
	Lyssa Student Profile Lyssa is a 12-year-old student struggling academically and frequently disrupting lessons. She has failed multiple subjects, often requiring special exams to pass. She has few friends, influences them strongly, and is feared by other classmates due to her aggressive behavior. Coming from a wealthy family, she wears expensive, sometimes provocative clothing, which her mother fully su... Read More	Poland
	Little Nicolas Signs of Student Disengagement (e.g. certifications/diagnostic evaluations? ICF functional profile? social service report? migration background? etc.). Signs of student disengagement are based on teacher assessments, class council results, and observations by school counselors. Learning Style (observations from the teaching staff, team analysis). Comments: Nicolas’ grades are low for a 6th-... Read More	France
	Antoine de Saint Exupéry Signs of Student Disengagement (e.g. certifications/diagnostic evaluations? ICF functional profile? social service report? migration background? etc.). In terms of results, he has a low average, significantly below the class results. He was selected as a dropout student because he is required to have support. He does everything that is asked of him out of obligation. The educational team fears tha... Read More	France
	Gaston Lagaffe Observation Tools Teacher notes on student behavior and progress during lessons or activities. Predefined lists of skills or behaviors that teachers check off as students demonstrate them. Behavior Tracking Sheets: Recording behaviors (positive or negative) over time, such as frequency of participation, attentiveness, or disruptive behavior. Collaboration Tools Teacher Collaboration Notes: Shared... Read More	France
	Mugur Mugur exhibits a lack of interaction with peers and teachers, coupled with minimal imagination and creativity in both play and classroom assignments. While he completes the required activities, his participation lacks enthusiasm or initiative. His demeanor is overly serious for his age, and he displays a limited capacity for self-expression and creative engagement. Observations from the teaching ... Read More	Romania
	Luminita Luminita is an 11-year-old Roma girl living in a small, marginalized community on the outskirts of a northeastern Romanian town. Her family lives in deep poverty, with irregular work opportunities and overcrowded living conditions. The primary language spoken at home is Romani, and Romanian is a secondary language for her, leading to expressive and receptive language delays. At school, Luminita i... Read More	Romania
	Ileana Ileana is a 12-year-old girl navigating school life in the absence of her parents, who have been working abroad for the past two years. Raised now by her grandmother, Ileana lives in a household where material needs are met, but emotional presence is scarce. Though loved, she is not truly seen. The emotional gap left by her parents' departure has shaped not just her demeanor, but also her capacity... Read More	Romania
	Barin The pseudonym "Barin" was chosen because it refers to an ancient Bulgarian deity, symbolizing hidden strength and deep emotional power. This name reflects the student’s inner world—marked by emotional complexity, vulnerability, and a strong desire to be understood. Although he exhibits behavioral and learning challenges, beneath his defiance and hurt lies a need for stability, protection, and ... Read More	Bulgaria
	Makosh The pseudonym "Makosh" reflects the student's emotional depth, inner sensitivity, and need for protection. In Slavic mythology, Makosh is a goddess of fate, motherhood, and hidden strength—qualities that parallel the girl's social anxiety, strong bond with her mother, and quiet resilience. Though withdrawn and disengaged, she carries untapped potential. The name symbolizes her inner world, emoti... Read More	Bulgaria
	Artemide Artemis, in Greek mythology, is the goddess of the moon, wilderness, and independence — a symbol of intuition, protection, and inner strength. In this case study, Artemide represents a student with high cognitive potential, a strong personality, and a constant search for balance between autonomy and belonging. Like the mythological huntress, she values freedom and authenticity, sometimes clashin... Read More	Italy
	Giulio Cesare Giulio Cesare, the renowned Roman leader, strategist, and orator, symbolizes intelligence, ambition, and the art of self-mastery. In this case study, Giulio Cesare represents a student learning to channel his determination and impulsivity into thoughtful action. Like his historical counterpart, he is discovering that true leadership is not about control but about timing, reflection, and collaborat... Read More	Italy
	Clotaire Clotaire is a 12-year-old student who has had a special schooling: he has always shown a lack of commitment and interest in class, except for a few subjects. Teachers try to put in place aids to facilitate his learning, without results. a comprehensive description of the case study, covering: Signs of Student Disengagement According to the assessment guide (GEVA-sco), the acquisitions are below e... Read More	France
	Adele H. Adèle H. is a 13-year-old middle school student who has shown signs of absenteeism since the start of the school year. After a discussion between the school administration and the mother (the parents are divorced and Adèle lives with the mother), the student only attends class four mornings a week. Adèle is a very quiet student in class, not very engaged orally; her work is pr... Read More	France
	Columbus Student Profile Columbus is a student with a deep interest in geography. He comes from a well-educated and financially stable family, with both parents working in the field of education. Despite his intellectual strengths, Columbus exhibits behaviors that suggest he may be on the autism spectrum. However, no official documentation confirming any learning differences or developmental condition... Read More	Poland
	Queen Victoria Queen Victoria is a 12-year-old student with exceptional linguistic abilities, particularly in English. She has consistently performed well in language competitions, often achieving high rankings. However, in recent months, Queen Victoria has demonstrated a significant lack of motivation for learning. Once a top-performing and highly engaged student, she now struggles with focus, participation, an... Read More	Poland
	MacGyver Student Profile The student, referred to as MacGyver, is a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. He has an above-average IQ and is good at English as he was born in Ireland. However, he exhibits signs of academic disengagement and an implicit risk of school dropout, which have been a cause of concern for teachers and parents. SIGNS OF STUDENT DISENGAGEMENT Diagnostic evaluations and o... Read More	Poland
	Iancu Iancu is a sixth-grade (VIth grade) student diagnosed with ADHD, characterized by impulsiveness and difficulty maintaining focus, which significantly affects his academic engagement and participation. Despite being enrolled in a special education program, Iancu exhibits chronic absenteeism, frequently leaving school premises after being marked present, and has been reported spending time at a nea... Read More	Romania
	Elena A Portrait of Educational Disengagement Elena (13 years old, eight grade) displayed numerous signs of disengagement, including a progressive decline in academic performance, verbal and physical aggression toward classmates, and eventual cessation of school attendance. In the first semester of the eighth grade, she showed some promise by reacting favorably to the teacher's encouragement to engage... Read More	Romania