The Missouri Turnaround Schools Project: An Evaluation

• In Event: Leading Change in Schools

Abstract

This research project yields multiple case study data to analyze the statistical differences in student achievement throughout school reform efforts, as well as the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds who are involved in these Missouri schools with regard to identified factors influencing school improvement and leadership. The long-term significance of this research includes findings that the researchers hope lead to policy recommendations for low-performing schools, re-designed programs in post-secondary institutions to better prepare teachers and school leaders to “turnaround” failing schools through improved student achievement, and positive school improvement to reduce student attrition in the educational pipeline.

Authors

• Ian Mette, University of Missouri

• Jay P. Scribner, Old Dominion University

• Jason A. Grissom, Vanderbilt University

• Jennifer Ingrid Friend, University of Missouri - Kansas City