There are schools in Massachusetts that have made rapid, dramatic improvements for their students, staff, and families. What were the practices that made the difference in their success? Through research conducted with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Massachusetts identified a set of four essential “turnaround practices” - common systems, structures, features, focus areas, or characteristics of schools - that successfully improved student outcomes. Schools and districts can use these four practices as a guide and framework for sustained school improvement.

Getting Started with the Four Turnaround Practices

• Read about successful schools and strategies in the Massachusetts Turnaround Practices Digital Resource (PDF) | (Word)

• Watch schools tell their stories in the Turnaround Practices Achievement Gain Schools Video Series

• Get guidance for developing an effective turnaround plan

• See other turnaround practice research and reports

Find Resources by Turnaround Practice Topic

Turnaround Practice 1: Leadership, Shared Responsibility, and Professional Collaboration.

The school has established a community of practice through leadership, shared responsibility, and professional collaboration.

• Leadership

• Shared Responsibility, Teaming & Collaboration

• Scheduling / Use of Time

• Professional Development & Coaching

• School Redesign

• Sustainability

Turnaround Practice 2: Intentional Practices for Improving Instruction

The school employs intentional practices for improving teacher-specific and student-responsive instruction.

• Core Instruction

• Inclusive Practices

• Student Assessment

• Observation and Feedback

• Core Instruction for English Learners

• Student Engagement

Turnaround Practice 3: Student-Specific Supports and Instruction to All Students

The school provides student-specific supports and interventions informed by data and the identification of student-specific needs.

• Tiered Interventions

• Social Emotional Learning

• Academic Interventions

• Interventions for English Learners

• Interventions for Students with Disabilities

• Partnerships & Wraparound Supports

• Scheduling

Turnaround Practice 4: School Climate and Culture

The school has established a climate and culture that provide a safe, orderly and respectful environment for students and a collegial, collaborative, and professional culture among teachers that supports the school’s focus on increasing student achievement.

• School Climate & Culture

• Positive Behavior Supports

• Extended Learning Time

• Family Engagement

• Community Engagement

• Cultural Competency