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.
Teacher Teams Data Chart
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers at an urban elementary school use data charts in inquiry teams to review students' progress toward content area proficiency goals. The form helps teachers identify students who need...
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Sample Material
Balanced Literacy Evaluation Checklist
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers use this checklist to ensure they adhere to a balanced literacy curriculum. The checklist addresses expectations for conducting read-alouds; facilitating shared, independent, and guided...
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Curriculum Map
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers use curriculum maps, like this K-5 sample, to plan the year's instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Related Files: Young Scholars' Academy...
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Professional Action Plan and Year-End Goals Evaluation
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
At one elementary school, teachers and the principal periodically meet to discuss progress toward goals for content, environment, and professional development. Teachers use this form to note their...
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ELA Goal-Setting Plan
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Students use this tracker to set short- and long-term goals and monitor their own progress in English language arts. Students identify the skills they need to develop, and teachers hold periodic...
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Homework Log
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
Parents are required to sign and return the Homework Log that outlines the daily homework for the week. This log allows parents, students, and teachers to be knowledgeable about what is expected of...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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