By Lisa Fine in Teacher Magazine
Most principals and teachers say they believe creating school environments that allow educators to work together more would have a “major impact” on improving the chances for student success, according to a new national survey by MetLife Inc. But the specific methods and amount of time currently allowed for such collaboration among educators vary widely from school to school, the poll found.
The 2009 “MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: Collaborating for Student Success,” which will be released in three parts over the next two months, examines the views of teachers, principals, and students about their respective roles, responsibilities, and priorities in schools today. The first part of the survey, released today and titled “Effective Teaching and Leadership,” examines teachers’ and principals' views on what collaboration looks like in schools and what impact it has. (The MetLife Foundation provides funding to Teacher to support interactive professional community among classroom educators.)
The results were based on a national telephone survey of 1,003 K-12 public school teachers, 500 K-12 public school principals, and an online survey of 1,018 public school students in grades 3 to 12 conducted in fall 2009. In addition, public school principals and teachers, and thought leaders in education participated in an online strategy session to inform the development of the survey.
Pearson LT promotes collaborative learning in Learning Teams Investment Schools around the country
"Our teacher workgroups have become professional learning communities. Data discussions have taken place, and student needs in ten core subject areas have been identified. It is our belief that this wonderful collaborative effort of preparing to meet the needs of students will foster improvement in student achievement."