SJSD launches Kagan Cooperative Learning to boost classroom engagement
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District has introduced its first-ever Kagan Cooperative Learning training session, bringing a nationally recognized teaching strategy to local classrooms.
This initiative aims to enhance instructional practices by promoting student engagement, collaboration and creative thinking.
The goal is to empower both teachers and students with strategies that go beyond traditional methods—encouraging learners to think more critically.
“Our goal in the district is to improve the peer-to-peer opportunities that students have to learn from each other and get them away from their devices,” said Tabitha Keyser, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
The Kagan program emphasizes teamwork, structured learning activities and equal participation among students.
As part of this initiative, some teachers are traveling to Maryville for training, while others are engaging in summer learning sessions locally — all aimed at helping educators bring Kagan strategies directly into their classrooms.
According to Erin Smith, a reading interventionist at SJSD, the Kagan model provides tools that not only engage students but also ensure every voice is heard.
“I knew that Kagan training would provide those strategies for me, and they were research-based and I could close the achievement gap for all learners in the classroom,” Smith said.
One of the key goals of the program is to create a learning environment where students feel confident sharing ideas, building relationships, and learning from each other.
Sam Ebling, an academic lead lab teacher, believes the impact will go beyond academics.
“It's going to really help their communication skills with listening and speaking because everybody has a turn and everyone has a role and they can teach each other, which is powerful," Ebling said.
Teachers encourage collaboration and shared responsibility through the program, which also aims to boost students’ self-confidence, improve classroom culture and reduce bullying.
“We learned the importance of making students feel a positive interdependence with each other so they feel a sense of individual accountability, which is a big piece of equal participation,” Smith said.
District educators hope this cooperative learning structure will not only improve academic outcomes but also make the classroom a more inclusive and fun space for all students.
