The education system in the United States has historically scored low among countries across the globe. The Nation's Report Card, created by the National Assessment of Educational Progress [NAEP], showed that the proficiency in math for students decreased as they matriculated through school: Grade 4 -- 41%, Grade 8 -- 34%, and Grade 12 -- 24% (NAEP). Learning environments that provide students opportunities to interact, collaborate, reflect, critique, and share how information is applied can create motivation, engagement, and ultimately achievement. A comparative case study was conducted to answer two research questions: To what degree would shifting to social constructivist learning environments have an effect on early support cognitive development? To what degree do constructivist learning environments affect motivation, engagement, and achievement of secondary learners? The findings showed that constructivist learning environments have a direct positive correlation to motivation, engagement, and achievement and that in traditional learning environments, there is a misalignment between pedagogical structure and cognitive development. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]