Evaluating Turnaround Policies for State Takeover of Low-Performing Schools in Tennessee

• In Event: The Many Faces of High-Stakes Accountability

Abstract

Inspired by Race to the Top and ESEA waivers, many states have adopted bold strategies for turning around low performing schools. In Tennessee, through funds provided by Race to the Top, the state identified the lowest five percent of schools for state takeover. These schools could then receive a number of different reforms. In this paper, we examine the overall effectiveness of the reforms as well as the effectiveness of specific reforms, including what is called the Achievement School District (ASD). The ASD is a new state-run school district that removes schools from their home districts and either directly manages these schools or turns the schools over to charter management organizations (CMOs).

Authors

• Ron Zimmer, Vanderbilt University

• Gary Henry, Vanderbilt University

• Adam Kho, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College