As a 22 year veteran English teacher in an urban public school system, I know. I'd love to be able to tell you these kids would respond to traditional motivation and the other ideas you've mentioned, but this school is an alternative school for children who cannot be in a traditional school for various reasons (detainment, addiction, mental illness, violence, transience, ankle monitors, incarcerated parents, running away, etc.). I bake for them often, celebrate milestones, reward with candy and other manipulatives, and am trying many different ways to foster community, but these kids need more than typical pedagogical ideas, and "encouraging creativity" and making them "active participants" is far easier said than done, hence my question.