This volume provides an analysis of what we know about turning around failing schools in the
United States. It starts with an in-depth examination of the barriers that hinder action on
turnaround work.The book analyses the reasons why some schools that find themselves in serious
academic trouble fail in their efforts to turn themselves around. Beginning with a discussion
of what may best be described as lethal reasons or the most powerful explanation for failed
reform initiatives which include an absence of attention to student care and support a near
absence of attention to curriculum and instruction the firing of the wrong people. Covered in
this volume are critical explanations for failed turnaround efforts such as failure to attend
to issues of sustainability and significant explanations for failed turnaround efforts such as
the misuse of test data.The volume concludes by examining what can be done to overcome problems
that cause failure for turnaround schools and reviewing ideas in the core technology of
schooling: curriculum instruction and assessment. As well as exploring problems associated
with the leadership and management of schools to see where improvement is possible and an
analysis of opportunities found in relationships between schools and their external partners
such as parents and community members.
