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.
Starting Over With New Staffing
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
Hear a turnaround school's principal describe her approach to hiring new teaching staff prior to reopening. Her vision for the school is based on identifying and hiring teachers with the desired...
Resource Type
School Example
Building a Sense of Community
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
An elementary school principal talks about how she built a sense of community among school staff. She discusses how she motivated the staff to wholeheartedly work towards school...
Resource Type
School Example
Instructional Tours
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
At Waterford High School, teachers visit each other’s classrooms to learn new instructional strategies. Teachers may use structured forms that detail the instructional norms at the school. These...
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
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
Additional Goals for Improving Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Listen to two elementary principals describe their schools' focus for improving instruction. These schools focused on reading, writing, and math, and centering instruction on state...
Resource Type
School Example
Building Relationships With Parents
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
A new principal describes changes she made to build stronger relationships with the parents and the community. She tailored meeting structures and communication processes to encourage parental...
Resource Type
School Example
Establishing a Climate for Learning`
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
A new principal signals change and establishes a climate for learning. She implemented character education, hallway decorum, and interventions for struggling students. Teachers received...
Resource Type
School Example
Cultivating the Ability to Lead (Part 1)
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Listen to the vice president of the NYC Leadership Academy's Principal Preparation Program describe how they select potential leaders to participate in the program. She enumerates important...
Resource Type
School Example
Building Turnaround Principals' Knowledge and Skills
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Two district leaders in Chicago Public Schools describe efforts to develop a strong cadre of school principals that have the skills to turn around the district's lowest-performing schools. This...
Resource Type
School Example
