School Turnaround Providers: What Evidence Do We Have That They Work?

• In Event: 29.077 - Special Interest Group to the Every Student Succeeds Act: New Lessons in School Turnaround

Abstract

There has been little formal consideration of school turnaround provider evidence despite their substantial role across nation to lead or assist with school turnaround. In this study, we review empirical research on all turnaround providers endorsed by 13 states. Our preliminary review of the evidence behind state education agency-endorsed turnaround providers during SIG suggests that the vast majority of providers lack evidence meeting What Works Clearinghouse standards. Collectively, the findings from this study indicate that states generally have not vetted providers comprehensively enough to endorse them to the extent that they have, indicating a need to be more thoughtful and purposeful at all levels when relying on external providers to be major contributors to school turnaround initiatives.

Authors

• Coby Meyers, University of Virginia

• Bryan A. VanGronigen, University of Virginia