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.
Leadership Performance Standards Matrix
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
This matrix is used to assess the readiness of aspiring principals. Candidates are ranked as meeting, progressing toward, or not meeting standards across a range of 12 dimensions, from personal...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Moving Turnaround Efforts Forward
School Turnaround > Leadership > See How It Works
Two new elementary school principals discuss continuing and improving upon programs already in place in their schools. They describe their decision-making processes about curriculum, communication,...
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Sample Material
Building a Protocol for a Job Candidate Interview
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > Overview & Tools
Principals can use this tool to reflect on current practice for interviewing new staff and consider ways to improve interview protocols in turnaround schools to ensure that staff with the right...
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Tool
Curriculum Mapping Tool
School Turnaround > Instruction > Overview & Tools
Schools can use this curriculum mapping tool to align the curriculum with standards and assessments; it provides one approach that schools can use.
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Tool
Planning Classroom Observation
School Turnaround > Instruction > Overview & Tools
Use this worksheet for planning classroom observations; it focuses on helping principals learn strategies for conducting useful observations to help teachers improve their instruction, rather than...
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Tool
Learning Together: Using Data to Improve Instruction
School Turnaround > Instruction > Overview & Tools
This assessment can be used for in-service about using student data to improve instruction and learning. Teachers learn how to collect, analyze, and use student data on a regular basis. Related...
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Tool
Learning Together to Build a Committed Staff (Part 1)
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > Overview & Tools
District leaders can use the materials in this tool for an in-service for school leaders on the importance of and steps for building a staff committed to the turnaround. Related Media and...
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Tool
Learning Together to Build a Committed Staff (Part 2)
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > Overview & Tools
The materials in this tool can be used by district leaders for an in-service for school leaders on the importance of and steps for building a staff committed to the turnaround. In Part 2,...
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Tool
Knowledge and Skills Inventory
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > Overview & Tools
Use this assessment form to evaluate the school's staffing strengths and needs, in order to reassign, hire, or otherwise change staff assignments to better turn around the school. Principals need...
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Tool
Tracking the Implementation of Quick Wins
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > Overview & Tools
This matrix can be used to track the progress of the implementation of quick wins and to reflect on the lessons learned from these quick wins.
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Tool
Planning for the Implementation of Quick Wins
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > Overview & Tools
Use this decision-making worksheet to document ideas for areas of immediate change, possible solutions, and anticipated results. Related and Media and Files: Observing the School: Identifying...
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Tool
Observing the School: Identifying Potential Quick Wins
School Turnaround > Quick Wins > Overview & Tools
This two-part evaluation form provides examples of areas and behaviors to observe in order to note where a quick win activity could be implemented and where an improvement would make a positive...
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Tool
