University of Virginia School Turnaround Program

School Turnaround Is:  Quick – produces significant changes in operating environment  Dramatic – produces significant gains in achievement within two- to-three years  Sustained – creates a learning organization prepared for long-term transformation  Necessary – tweaks around the edges do not work in persistently underperforming environments; urgency and boldness creates lasting change that matters.

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Fundamental disruption in practices of school & district inspired by leadership Willingness to rethink and redesign systems, starting with district School Turnaround Requires:

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program FOUR SYSTEM LEVERS

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program A District Readiness Assessment Helps prepare districts for the Turnaround endeavor Collects data from all levels of the organization Identifies a district’s strengths and how they can be leveraged Identifies issues that should be addressed Identifies areas that would benefit from piloting or changing practice to effectively prioritize and drive bold change in turnaround schools, including collective commitments each organization will make

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Talent Management

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Rethink Talent Attraction & Cultivation Reexamine HR Policies & Practice and Address Teacher Underperformance Leverage Turnaround Purpose & Support Structures to Recruit Construct Strong School Leadership Teams Devote Resources to Hire Intentionally

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Differentiated Support and Accountability

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Support and Accountability Areas Observed in Readiness Assessment Leadership coaching and development that impacts practice School accountability around practices that matter Strategic and tailored resource allocation and rapid response Defined authority to drive change

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Leadership

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Engage System Stakeholders Publicly commit to success and purpose Identify initiative focus areas Engage board to align resources to identified focus areas Consistently & clearly communicate change is not optional

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Engage Community Stakeholders Provide stark look at current performance Create a vision for the future Publicize “early wins” Seek engagement with high- leverage needs

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Instructional Infrastructure

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Use Assessments Thoughtfully: Clarify purpose of assessments and expectations for pacing Build capacity to understand rigor Build capacity to find value in using the data Do not have too many centrally required assessments

University of Virginia School Turnaround Program Additional Implications for SEA and District Collaboration When systems are primed for school support, turnaround becomes a much more achievable goal. SEA leaders can encourage the districts to use the four key levers outlined earlier as anchors during their discussions and planning for school improvement within their particular contexts. Districts may not be able to best identify and develop solutions in isolation without the SEA’s or another entity’s guidance – we could all use an outside eye. Turnaround systems need actively engaged leaders at all levels who take the initiative to remove traditional bureaucratic barriers for improvement. SEAs and regional entities can help districts organize to meet schools’ needs through adjusting systems, procedures, and practices.