The Mass DESE has released a report on its view of what has made for success of lack thereof in the state’s Turnaround School process. One of the big takeaways: strong, competent leadership as well as mutual respect are more important that the wholesale excessing of 50% or more of staff. We cannot say we are surprised at all. Please see the report here.
The Globe, too, had a report yesterday on the same topic:
“A motivated principal able to galvanize teachers and foster a respectful school climate is a major factor in helping underperforming Massachusetts schools boost standardized test scores, but there is no hard evidence that replacing half the teaching staff makes a significant difference, according to an independent report commissioned by the state.
“The lack of concrete evidence on mass dismissals is rekindling debate about the strategy, which has stirred emotions in Boston, Springfield, and elsewhere…” Read more.