Turning around Failing Schools: An Analysis

Abstract

High-stakes testing and accountability implicate failing schools more frequently and more precisely than ever before. Consequently efforts to turn around these schools have become paramount for educators, policy actors, and community members. Through a synthesis of research on failing schools, this article unpacks the constructs of school failure and turnaround. It also details causes of decline and crisis. Finally, it analyzes current educational strategies intended to turn failing schools into successful ones.