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.
Lesson Observation
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This form is used in formal lesson observations of teachers. Observers rate the teacher on various methods of instruction, including learning objectives, checking for understanding, skill and...
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Sample Material
Teacher Interview Questions and Scoring
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
School administrators use these questions to interview prospective language arts teachers. The questions are designed to gauge the teacher's knowledge and commitment to standards-based instruction...
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Sample Material
Mid-Year Staff Survey
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
Elementary school administrators gather teacher feedback and opinions through this mid-year survey, which asks about school climate, professional development, and curriculum, instruction, and...
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Sample Material
Staff Commit Two Program
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
A principal uses this form to ask staff to commit to the school through participation in two core school activities: (1) one of the school's core planning or decision-making teams, and (2) a...
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Sample Material
Elementary Staffing Plan
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
The principal of a newly restructured elementary school uses this staffing plan when hiring and placing teachers. The document includes the current staffing plan and priorities for staffing and...
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Sample Material
Suggestions for the Conduct of Personnel Committee Meetings
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
These guidelines for personnel committee meetings are designed to ensure consistent hiring procedures focused on filling available positions with personnel who understand and believe in the...
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Sample Material
New School Intensive Scope and Sequence
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > See How It Works
New York City provides principals of new schools with training to understand the step-by-step opening process, beginning with communicating the new school's vision to staff and the community and...
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Sample Material
School Implementation Plan
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > See How It Works
This principal-developed implementation plan is used to determine the transitional structures needed to build a strong school focused on teaching and learning. The plan includes activities such as...
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Sample Material
Grade-Level Scheduling
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > See How It Works
Grade-level teachers at Edgemont Elementary School follow the same daily schedule to ensure adherence to required instructional minutes and to allow for collaborative planning. This document...
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Planning Together to Support Student Growth
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Fourth-grade teachers discuss student supports in their weekly grade-level team meeting, focusing on selected students. The teachers examine data to determine individual interventions and to guide...
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Sample Material
Staff Meeting Agendas
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
School staff use this sample agenda for bi-monthly staff meetings. The agenda provides a guide for principals to organize staff meetings and to provide time for teacher teams to work together...
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Sample Material
Description of Turnaround With New Leadership
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
This document describes the school turnaround process for Dodge Renaissance Academy. The principals removed obstacles to success and made dramatic improvements such as developing a disciplined...
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