Dramatic and comprehensive change is the key to improving school performance, according to a new research paper. The School Turnaround Group at Mass Insight Education says bold strategies are the only way to narrow the achievement gap for low-income and minority students.
This advice comes as school systems across the country are applying for the next round of Title 1 School Improvement Grants this year. Researchers recommend that money should only fund bold and truly different programs. They discourage funding for schools that are using the same old strategies that contributed to their decline in the first place. Some other recommendations:
- Think Big
- Relentlessly enforce accountability for student achievement
- Encourage school districts to use partners in bold and innovative ways
- Create district level strategies
- Communicate with families