From Start-Up to High-Performing Network: The Still Evolving Case of the Achievement Schools Network

• In Event: Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring the Possibilities and Perils of Turning Around Low-Performing Schools

Abstract

The Tennessee Achievement School District was created in 2011 to rapidly turnaround the lowest performing schools in the state by authorizing high performing charter management organizations to operate the schools. A lack of quality applicants, however, led the district to authorize charters with less experience and also to directly run a group of schools. This research investigates the history of the ASD’s direct-run schools from a group of loosely connected, autonomous schools to a network of schools seeking to become a high performing network. The ability of new networks of schools to develop the capability of the few high performing networks will significantly influence whether the ASD and districts like it across the country will succeed in large-scale turnaround efforts.

Author

• Matthew R. Malone, The George Washington University