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.
Professional Community Time
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
A high school principal celebrates his staff’s successes and leads them in a discussion of the school vision. Teachers then work collaboratively to develop activities to foster higher-order...
Resource Type
School Example
Creating an Actionable Plan
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
View a presentation about a high school implementation of a comprehensive literacy plan across all content areas. A literacy council was established to support the implementation of evidence-based...
Resource Type
School Example
Building Trustful Relationships: The Home-School Connection
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
The principal of Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School and the Ohio Transformation Specialist discuss the importance of engaging the community in the school turnaround process. They talk about...
Resource Type
School Example
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
Transforming Elementary Math Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Two math teachers at Sanders Elementary School discuss changes to their math instruction by relying more heavily on technology. They use interactive white boards and hands on, inquiry-based...
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
Walkthrough Support
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Two teachers describe the classroom walkthroughs that occur regularly at their school. The principal comes in, unannounced, to observe classrooms and provide feedback and support to teachers. He...
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
Engaging Every Staff Member
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This interview features the principal of an elementary school who is committed to making sure every staff member is engaged in the school improvement process. The staff at Laura MacArthur,...
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
