CAP and ERS Report Details How to Improve Low-Performing Schools

CAP and ERS Report Details How to Improve Low-Performing Schools

September 13, 2016

The Center for American Progress (CAP) and Education Resource Strategies (ERS) released a report detailing how states can improve low-performing schools under ESSA. The authors highlight turnaround efforts as a high priority because ESSA “gives states greater autonomy” to allocate Title I dollars to these new initiatives. The report recommended seven design changes for state leaders to consider:

1. Grant districts and ultimately the state the authority to intervene in failing schools.
2. Provide significant resources to support planning and restructuring and leverage competitive grants.
3. Treat the district as the unit of change and hold them accountable for school improvement.
4. Create transparent tiers of intervention and support combined with ongoing capacity building and sharing best practices.
5. Promote stakeholder engagement.
6. Create pipeline programs for developing and supporting effective turnaround school leaders.
7. Embed evaluation and evidence-based building activities in school implementation.