The School Turnaround Summer Leadership Institute: Strategy, Execution and Results
UNC Charlotte Dubois Center City, Charlotte, NC | July 21, 2026
Facilitator: Chance W. Lewis, Ph.D., Executive Director, The Urban Education Collaborative
School leaders in low-performing and high-needs environments must make strategic decisions quickly while maintaining focus on what drives results. This one-day, highly interactive institute equips leaders with a practical framework to prioritize effectively, align initiatives, and lead meaningful school turnaround efforts.
In the morning session, participants will engage in guided reflection, real-time problem solving, and strategic planning to identify high-impact leadership actions tailored to their school context. Leaders will also be introduced to practical ways to leverage AI as a tool to support decision-making, analyze school data, and strengthen turnaround strategies.
In the afternoon session, leaders will apply their learning through hands-on activities, collaborative planning, and peer dialogue to develop a clear, actionable implementation plan. Participants will incorporate AI-supported strategies to enhance execution, improve monitoring, and strengthen accountability systems within their schools.
Participants will leave with a focused leadership framework, practical turnaround strategies, an introduction to AI-enabled tools for school improvement, and a customized action plan they can implement immediately.
Registration
$200 Per Attendee
Hotel Accomodations
Participants are responsible for lodging. List of recommended hotels near the conference.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
SpringHill Suites Charlotte City Center | All-Suite Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
Parking
All lots surrounding the Dubois Center are pay to park. Visitors may pay to park by scanning the posted QR codes or by texting the number listed on the lot signage. License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology is used to track parking sessions. There is a strict 15 minute grace period from lot entry. Please click to view the parking map.
Food & Refreshments
Breakfast, Coffee, Tea and Light Snacks will be provided.
Lunch and Dinner are on your own.
Certificates
Certificates of completion will be provided.
Full Day Agenda:
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Registration, Check-In, and Networking
Light refreshments available
8:30 – 8:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Overview of the day, goals, and expected outcomes
8:45 – 10:15 AM
Morning Session I: Setting the Foundation for School Turnaround
• Framing the urgency and opportunity in low-performing schools
• Introduction to the strategic leadership framework
• Guided reflection on current school realities
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Morning Session II: Strategic Focus and High-Impact Leadership Moves
• Identifying and prioritizing high-leverage actions
• Aligning initiatives for maximum impact
• Introduction to AI tools for data analysis and decision-making
• Real-time problem solving activities
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Afternoon Session I: From Strategy to Execution
• Translating priorities into actionable plans
• Strengthening leadership moves around staff alignment and accountability
• Applying AI tools to monitor progress and support decision-making
• Individual planning and reflection
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 – 4:15 PM
Afternoon Session II: Implementation Lab and Collaborative Planning
• Hands-on development of school-specific action plans
• Peer feedback and problem-solving
• Refining execution strategies for sustainability
4:15 – 4:45 PM
Action Plan Presentations and Commitments
• Participants share key takeaways and next steps
• Commitment to immediate implementation
4:45 – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks and Certificate Distribution
• Final reflections
• Distribution of certificates of completion