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.
The Turnaround Principal: Part 1
School Turnaround > Leadership > Overview & Tools
Michael Cormack discusses actions he has taken as a turnaround principal and the connection between these actions and the underlying competencies of Driving for Results and Influencing for Results....
Resource Type
School Example
The Turnaround Principal: Part 2
School Turnaround > Leadership > Overview & Tools
Michael Cormack discusses actions he has taken as a turnaround principal and the connection between these actions and the underlying competencies of Driving for Results and Influencing for Results....
Resource Type
School Example
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...
Resource Type
Tool
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
State Support for Turnaround Schools - Part 1
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The Ohio Transformation Specialist and the principal of Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School discuss how they work together. They talk about the activities they conduct during each of the...
Resource Type
School Example
Lifelong Learning for Capacity Building
School Turnaround > Instruction > See How It Works
The superintendent of Hollandale School District talks about building a cadre of qualified teachers. The School Improvement Grant enabled the district to offer tuition incentives to attract...
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
