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.
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...
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Sample Material
New Teacher Orientation Manual
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This New Teacher Orientation Manual familiarizes staff with a culture that focuses on continuous conversations and collaboration to improve instruction. It presents the mission, vision, five...
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Sample Material
Daily Student Report
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This is a daily behavioral report for students at Hardy Elementary School. Teachers send this report home to highlight exemplary behavior or note areas of concern such as disrespect. Parents are...
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Sample Material
Professional Development Concept Attainment Presentation
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
An instructional leader provided this presentation focused on a new instructional norm for the school — concept attainment. Topics covered in this presentation include: Conceptual Clarity, Multiple...
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Sample Material
Mission Statement, Five Pillars, and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This document presents Waterford High School's mission statement, the Five Pillars, and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs). The five pillars: Pursuing Excellence, Personalization, Purpose...
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Sample Material
RSDSS 6 Instructional Time Survey: Aggregated Survey Results
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This report summarizes all findings and recommendations from the Regional System of District and School Supports (RSDSS) Instructional Time Survey. It gives schools school-level statistical...
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Sample Material
Curriculum Alignment Maps
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This map aligns the standards to themes teachers in pre-K and fifth grade need to cover in the Hamilton County Public Schools. The document outlines milestones and essential questions in learning...
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Sample Material
Fifth-Grade Reading Lesson Plan
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
This lesson plan provides an example of a weekly fifth-grade reading lesson. Teachers use this format to plan all their lessons. The lesson plan includes standards addressed, objectives,...
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Sample Material
Grade Level Norms
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This document outlines the norms that guide teacher behavior and collaboration at grade-level team meetings. Related Files: Edgemont Elementary School Description
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Key Ideas of Professional Learning Communities
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This presentation describes three foundational ideas of professional learning communities—focus on learning, a collaborative culture, and focus on results—and the essential skills needed to...
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Sample Material
Staff Norms
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This list outlines norms for staff interactions and communications. Related Files: Hardy Elementary School Description
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Sample Material
Postcard: We are #1!
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
A picture postcard depicts Waterford High School's status as the highest API score of 760 in a five-county region (Calaveras, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne) for the 2006-07 school...
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