Making Space: The Value of Teacher Collaboration

In this research report, we examines the role of teacher collaboration in driving school improvement. The research study focuses on leader and teacher practices in EdVestors’ School on the Move prize-winner and finalist schools – urban schools in Boston recognized for exemplary progress in advancing the academic achievement of all students. The Rennie Center has done extensive documentation of SOM schools since 2006, including annual case studies of prize-winners and additional analyses examining common practices across these rapidly-improving schools. The research presented here adds to this body of knowledge as part of an ongoing effort to look inside these schools to uncover successful practices that may inform district- and school-level decision-making on school reform. This report details strategies used in School on the Move schools to build structures and routines to support and sustain collaborative cultures. Research findings present specific steps all schools may take to build leader and teacher collaboration to advance meaningful reform.