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.
Signaling the Need for Dramatic Change With Strong Leadership
School Turnaround > Leadership > Overview & Tools
This overview describes strong leadership and its importance. It outlines the characteristics of strong leaders and effective leadership practices in turnaround schools.
Resource Type
Overview
People, Time, Money, and Programming
School Turnaround > Overview & Tools
Dr. Calkins discusses strategies to facilitate school turnaround. He emphasizes the need to establish a readiness to learn in turnaround schools through effectively managing the schools' use of...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Five Pillars That Guide Change
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Turnaround schools often follow a core set of principles that target immediate areas of change. A high school principal describes the core principles that guided this school improvement process,...
Resource Type
School Example
Cultivating the Ability to Lead (Part 2)
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Listen to the vice president of the NYC Leadership Academy's Principal Preparation Program describe the structure of the 14-month program. She explains how the introductory summer intensive,...
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
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
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...
Resource Type
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...
Resource Type
Sample Material
District Reflection: Identifying the School Turnaround Principal
School Turnaround > Leadership > Overview & Tools
At the district level, use this questionnaire to help evaluate principal candidates (including the current principals) to lead a turnaround effort.
Resource Type
Tool
School Principal Self-Reflection: Leadership Strategies
School Turnaround > Leadership > Overview & Tools
Use this worksheet for self-reflection if you are interested in modifying existing leadership strategies in the following areas: communication with staff, instructional leadership, and connections...
Resource Type
Tool
School Turnaround Planning Template #1
School Turnaround > Overview & Tools
Offering school- and district-level personnel key actions to facilitate school turnaround efforts. Key actions are presented for leadership, instructional feedback, and organizational practices,...
Resource Type
Planning Template
