Educators' Perceptions and the Achievement Gap

Term

Spring 4-13-2015

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAT

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Kathryn A. Campbell

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Caitlin Mahoney

Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two

Amy Fox

Abstract

The research question addressed in this project was, what perceptions do teachers have regarding the achievement gap and what pedagogical strategies do they use in order to address it? This study reflects the experiences of a beginning teacher in two different school settings; both of which stress the importance of closing the achievement gap. While many strategies have been proposed to address the gap, there has been little input from what teachers think about it. The review of literature examines the complexity of the subject and discusses some past research on teachers’ perceptions. Results from the current research show many teachers are committed to addressing the achievement gap, but feel they do not have sufficient resources. Common findings from the research articulate the need for teachers to have more time for collaboration and incorporating regular professional and personal reflection on their teaching practice.

Keywords

Achievement, At-risk Students, Multicultural Education, Teachers/ Teaching

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