Five steps for school turnaround

The government in Shanghai contracts a high-performing school to work with a low-performing school to achieve turnaround in two years. The contract commits both schools and the government to the turnaround process.

Development programs build the leadership and teaching skills for change in each of the five steps. Schools learn from each other. Teachers move between schools, observe each other's classrooms, offer feedback on how to improve and engage in joint learning activities.

Evaluation and accountability mechanisms continually reinforce new behaviours and practices in the five steps. An evaluation team observes classrooms and conducts surveys and focus groups of school leaders, teachers, students and parents. Teaching practices and students' study habits and learning behaviours are measured. Change is reinforced through extensive feedback.

A new approach designed to bring about change in schools is a significant shift in policy development in Australia but could give the students who need it most a chance at a rich and fulfilled life.