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.
Homework Trouble Sheet: Eighth-Grade Mathematics
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Students who are having trouble answering questions on their homework fill out this Homework Trouble Sheet, which allows them to have their homework excused for one day to get extra...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Strategic Instructional Plan
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This worksheet provides a template for teachers to outline their instructional strategies for other staff. Teachers are asked to describe how a concept was taught and determine the percentage of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Awards Sheet
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This log allows teachers and staff to celebrate successes by displaying students who made honor rolls and received "Extra Effort," "Perfect Attendance," and "Homework Stars" awards. Related...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Charting the Course to Academic Excellence
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The school uses this district template to record three-year data trends, data from the previous year, bi-weekly data reports, and discipline issues. These data then help staff to direct and improve...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Walk-Through Observation Form
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The principal uses this checklist as he observes instruction and comments on such practices as the classroom environment, clear instructional objectives, use of instructional strategies, and...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Assessment Data and Math Department Success Elements
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This data report from Waterford High School is used by math teachers to collaboratively analyze data to determine strengths and weaknesses in student learning. Based on the data, teachers decide to...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Walk-In Observation Form
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Department chairs and coaches use this observation form as part of informal and ongoing coaching and professional development practices. The purpose of this form is to check on alignment of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
New Teacher Orientation Manual
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This New Teacher Orientation Manual familiarizes staff with a culture that focuses on continuous conversations and collaboration to improve instruction. It presents the mission, vision, five...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Daily Student Report
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This is a daily behavioral report for students at Hardy Elementary School. Teachers send this report home to highlight exemplary behavior or note areas of concern such as disrespect. Parents are...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Professional Development Concept Attainment Presentation
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
An instructional leader provided this presentation focused on a new instructional norm for the school — concept attainment. Topics covered in this presentation include: Conceptual Clarity, Multiple...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Mission Statement, Five Pillars, and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This document presents Waterford High School's mission statement, the Five Pillars, and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs). The five pillars: Pursuing Excellence, Personalization, Purpose...
Resource Type
Sample Material
RSDSS 6 Instructional Time Survey: Aggregated Survey Results
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This report summarizes all findings and recommendations from the Regional System of District and School Supports (RSDSS) Instructional Time Survey. It gives schools school-level statistical...
Resource Type
Sample Material
