New research identifies four organizational and administrative factors that can decrease teacher turnover and lift student test scores in math.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] —A school is more likely to retain effective teachers, a new study reports, if it is led by a principal who promotes professional development for teachers, is characterized by collaborative relationships among teachers, has a safe and orderly learning environment and sets high expectations for academic achievement among students, a new study reports.
The study, which focused on middle schools in New York City and used data from the Department of Education’s School Survey, broadens the context in which teacher effectiveness and student achievement is considered, its authors said.
“In recent years, researchers and policymakers have focused much of their attention on measuring and improving teacher effectiveness,” said Matthew A. Kraft, assistant professor of education and economics at Brown University and lead author. “However, teachers do not work in a vacuum; their school’s climate can either enhance or undermine their ability to succeed with students.”