Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Brad Balch

Second Advisor

Steve Gruenert

Third Advisor

David Marcotte

Abstract

Poverty can have a devastating impact on the academic achievement of students and their potential for positive adult outcomes. One of the most impactful aspects in the fight against the impact of poverty is student engagement. There must be attention paid to how engagement impacts a student’s potential for success as well as what strategies can be employed to improve engagement. It was the goal of this study to determine how relationships and engagement impacted student outcomes and educational experience. This study attempted to determine what strategies educators utilize to increase student engagement. Using observations and semi-structured interviews, the researcher explored how educators intentionally implement strategies to increase student engagement and how this engagement helps students from poverty obtain academic success. The analysis of this data is presented in later chapters. This includes tables and figures to present and summarize data collected. The themes are introduced as well as the supporting components. Lastly, the significance of the study and possible future applications of findings are shared. This includes possible limitations of the study and potential for future exploration of the topic. This qualitative study found that student engagement and positive student teacher relationships can influence student achievement. I observed several classrooms where teachers employed strategies to create physically and emotionally safe learning environments. They worked to build relationships as well. In these instances, they were able to build environments conducive to student learning. Future study and research could help to prove that these constructs can improve the possible adult outcomes of all learners.

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