Teacher Empowerment and Collaboration Enhances Student Engagement in Data-Driven Environments
Graduation Date
Spring 2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madelienne Peters, EdD
Abstract
At the onset of the 21st century, education faces a crisis in our data-driven environments. Teachers feel limited by the adopted scripted curriculum designed to raise test scores, because it is not adequately engaging students. However, educational research in the US and in other countries indicates that teacher collaboration with administrative support can enhance lessons for more effective student engagement and deeper learning while raising test scores. The purpose of this study is to explore this and identify ways teachers can find their voices, value what they bring to the profession, and offer leadership within their schools. Teachers at public schools participated in an on-line survey, and several participated in additional interviews. They were asked about their experiences in adapting state adopted curriculum to enhance the engagement of their elementary school students. Results indicated that schools can succeed in student success by facilitating teacher empowerment through collaboration.