One aspect of education that continues to be salient for educators is the notion of student engagement. This action research examines the effects on student engagement in the classroom when children are provided with specific yet significant choices. In addition to an extensive literature review, I have collected surveys and anecdotal notes from students in my student teaching experience in a K-5 resource special education setting. Through this literature and my own lived experiences, I support the argument that there can be improvement in student engagement when students are offered autonomy over their learning, so long as those options are meaningful to each individual child. There are many simple ways that educators can begin implementing small choices in their individual classrooms.

Ella would like to thank Dr. Jessica Leonard for her support in finalizing the project, as well as Dr. Joy Voss and Dr. Diane Richter for sharing their knowledge and helping her to grow as a special educator.