Creating Conditions for Growth: Fostering Teacher Efficacy for Student Success

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This book examines the critical role that teachers play in supporting at-risk student populations to stay in school and successfully complete their graduation requirements. Thompson addresses how high schools may support marginal students in achieving success by the implementation of teacher self-efficacy and a positive classroom environment. The study identifies ways in which administrators at all levels can support teachers professional development and student success through reinforced accountability and consistency. The study also addresses how to grow and strengthen students to not only to stay in the traditional school setting, but to ensure the process will prepare students to be academically, socially, and emotionally ready for college and a career. Fostering this environment requires collaboration and teamwork from teachers, administrators, and parents. Students will demonstrate academic achievement when the school environment is positive, equitable, safe and rigorous.

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In Creating Conditions for Growth: Teacher Efficacy for Student Success, Dr. Thompson reaffirms that quality teaching is the lifeblood of our educational system, and she examines the myriad of issues teachers and schools face on a daily basis which can present barriers to all students having access to quality teaching. Through examining effective strategies across these complex issues, Dr. Thompson articulates a set of practices that increase the likelihood of all students having access to effective teachers. -- Denise Collier, Texas State University
Education is failing both students and teachers. This fact is not hidden as we see schools failing and teachers protesting nightly on the news. Dr. Thompson poignantly outlines the educational practices which cause and continue this failure specifically among the most marginalized studentsat-risk studentswho are least likely to have their needs met elsewhere. Thompsons discussion of student failure and its relationship to standardized testing and lack of teacher retention are both accurate and timely; the solutions she offers focus on the thoughtful development of teachers and school culture in order to create a space where students can make mistakes and grow into their learning. Dr. Thompson argues that teachers are educations greatest resource and they need support and intentional development, a voice and access to colleague collaboration. Administrators and school officials would be wise to take her sage advice and implement the strategies she outlines, especially when it comes to alternative education, in order to run schools with greater care to create environments that foster learningfor both teachers and students. -- Danielle MacDonald, Columbia University

Author Bio

Rene Thompson, EdD, is high school curriculum & instruction coordinator and assistant principal in Waco, TX