Restructuring, Teacher Engagement, and School Culture: Perspectives on School Reform and the Improvement of Teachers' Work

To discover how school restructuring affects teachers' work and teacher engagement, a study was conducted on eight schools that have been experimenting with alternative structures, programs, and activities for 7 to 10 years, The data presented were collected in two of the schools through observations of 15 classes and interviews with teachers, students, and administrators. Insights from the observations show that alternative structures and programs can positively affect teacher worklife and engagement but have a specific, bounded impact. The data suggest that reform efforts are the most successful when they are focused in intent and based on a clear model of what achievements are most important. (EJS)