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.
Increasing Student Engagement for Instructional Change
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This presentation shows how Middleton High School implemented strategies to increase student engagement in academics. The school's principal describes strategies to increase attendance, offer more...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A District Strategy to Improve Nine Struggling Schools
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
A district leader discusses the district's rationale and process for reconstitution. The district reconstituted nine low-performing schools. All teachers had to reapply for their positions and new...
Resource Type
School Example
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
Using Data to Improve Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The superintendent of Richmond Public Schools describes the district's approach to helping schools collect, understand, and use student data to improve instruction. The district meets with school...
Resource Type
School Example
Empowering and Motivating Teachers in Two Turnaround Schools
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
The principals of two turnaround schools in Chicago discuss overcoming teacher resistance and empowering teachers. Hear about the strategies they used to rally all staff behind the goal of academic...
Resource Type
School Example
