See How It Works
View classroom videos, instructor and administrator interviews, and sample materials to see the recommended practice in action.
Reconstitution: Reinvigorating Teacher Practices
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
Teachers discuss the process of applying to be rehired after their school was reconstituted. They talk about how the experience changed their teaching practices and what strategies were implemented...
Resource Type
School Example
Engaging Every Staff Member
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This interview features the principal of an elementary school who is committed to making sure every staff member is engaged in the school improvement process. The staff at Laura MacArthur,...
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
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
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
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
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
Resource Type
Sample Material
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...
Resource Type
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
Resource Type
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...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Lesson Observation
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
This form is used in formal lesson observations of teachers. Observers rate the teacher on various methods of instruction, including learning objectives, checking for understanding, skill and...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Teacher Interview Questions and Scoring
School Turnaround > Committed Staff > See How It Works
School administrators use these questions to interview prospective language arts teachers. The questions are designed to gauge the teacher's knowledge and commitment to standards-based instruction...
Resource Type
Sample Material
