School Turnaround
Explore resources and key practices that can help under-performing schools make the shift from low-performing to "turnaround." 
- View a visual diagram of all four practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Turning Around Chronically Low-Performing Schools.
Distributed Leadership
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
In this video, the Building Leadership Team Facilitator at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School and the district Federal Programs Coordinator discuss the role of the building leadership team. This...
Resource Type
School Example
State Support for Turnaround Schools - Part 2
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This video shows the Ohio Transformation Specialist and the principal of Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School working together during a typical visit. They conduct classroom rounds, discuss data, and...
Resource Type
School Example
A Team-Based Approach for Instructional Decision Making
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
The principal at Sanders Elementary School discusses the School Transformation Team and its role in making decisions about new programs, use of student data, and student services. The team includes...
Resource Type
School Example
Supporting School Turnaround
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
In this audio interview, representatives from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Northern Center of Excellence describe their relationships with Minnesota schools and the support...
Resource Type
School Example
A State and District Partnership That Facilitates School Improvement
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Representatives from both the Florida Department of Education and the Hilllsborough County School District describe how they work together to support Middleton High School in Tampa, FL. They note...
Resource Type
School Example
Tearing Away the Layers of Despair: Changing a School Culture
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
The principal at Middleton High School describes how the school modified its culture of failure. He describes how he engaged school staff and community leaders in promoting a school culture where...
Resource Type
School Example
Increasing Student Engagement for Instructional Change
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This presentation shows how Middleton High School implemented strategies to increase student engagement in academics. The school's principal describes strategies to increase attendance, offer more...
Resource Type
School Example
Observing Instruction to Build Capacity
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The chair of the school's math department conducts a coaching session based on classroom observation of a core algebra class. She acknowledges good instructional practices and offers solutions for...
Resource Type
School Example
Empowering and Motivating Teachers in Two Turnaround Schools
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
The principals of two turnaround schools in Chicago discuss overcoming teacher resistance and empowering teachers. Hear about the strategies they used to rally all staff behind the goal of academic...
Resource Type
School Example
Improving High School Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The chair of a high school science department shares instructional strategies that teachers use to engage students in learning. Teachers need to have a clear objective, regularly check for...
Resource Type
School Example
Teachers Implement Changes to Improve Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
A music, special education, and fifth-grade teacher discuss strategies that they have learned and implemented successfully in their classrooms. The teachers use state assessment results to shape...
Resource Type
School Example
Setting High Standards
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Listen to the audio to hear an approach for determining students' mathematics grades at Waterford High School. This approach helps ensure that students reach proficiency on all math standards....
Resource Type
School Example
