The Lesson Plan as a Site of Institutional Control and Teacher Autonomy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
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Abstract

Teacher autonomy is an important construct that shapes how educators feel about the work they do within their schools and classrooms. This mixed-methods research study explored teacher autonomy as it relates to lesson planning. We surveyed 157 educators on this topic, and then interviewed 19 teachers to deepen our understanding of initial quantitative findings. Results found that charter school teachers were more likely to teach a scripted curriculum, while teachers in district schools were more likely to write their own lesson plans. Across all contexts, lesson planning is a highly regulated process. The absence of clear structures and supports led to feelings of teacher isolation. Ultimately, autonomy is a complex construct that informs teachers’ day-to-day work lesson planning and teaching.

Authors

• Madhu Narayanan, Florida International University

• Anne Shields, Bard High School Early College