The Long Game: Teacher Collaboration as an Investment in Human Capital

• In Event: Organizational Context and Instructional Leadership: The Importance of Teacher Collaboration and Student Achievement

Abstract

There is growing consensus among researchers and practitioners about the importance of teacher collaboration. Less clear is the mechanisms by which teacher collaboration can positively impact student achievement. We investigate a potential causal pathway that is reciprocal and complementary to a common pathway in the literature; rather than positive teacher attitudes contributing to productive collaboration, collaboration at baseline can positively affect future practices and attitudes. We test this hypothesis using panel data methods, including school fixed effects and teacher growth curve models, based on longitudinal survey data including items on teacher collaboration, practice, and attitudes. We find evidence that collaboration at baseline may have an effect on teacher focus on student learning, collective norms for differentiated instruction, and collective efficacy.

Authors

• Robert Shand, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Yvonne L. Goddard, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Roger D. Goddard, The Ohio State University