The School Turnaround National Conference

This conference addresses the critical need for major research universities to take an active leadership role in urban K-12 School turnaround efforts. Despite two decades of accountability measures under NCLB and ESSA, schools continue to struggle, with every state reporting 200 or more failing schools. This conference will examine successful School Turnaround strategies across multiple organizational levels while establishing Frameworks for sustained university-school partnerships.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Establishment of a research-practice partnership network focused on school turnaround
2. Development of collaborative frameworks for university-school district partnerships
3. Creation of policy recommendations based on research evidence
4. Formation of an ongoing working group to support implementation efforts

The Call for proposals is now open. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL.

Paper Sessions | Poster Session | guidelines

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Paper Session 1: Classroom-Level Implementation “From the Ground Up: Teacher-Led Turnaround Initiatives” This session explores effective classroom-level interventions that drive school improvement. Presentations will examine how teachers, supported by university partnerships, can implement evidence-based practices that elevate student achievement. Topics include:

• Teacher-researcher partnerships that enhance instructional effectiveness
• Innovative pedagogical approaches in turnaround settings
• Data-driven instruction and continuous improvement cycles
• Building teacher capacity through university mentorship programs

Paper Session 2: School Leadership Transformation “Leading Through Change: Administrative Approaches to School Turnaround” This session focuses on school-level leadership strategies that facilitate successful turnaround efforts. Presentations will analyze how university partnerships can strengthen administrative capacity. Topics include:

• Building instructional leadership capacity through university collaborative
• Creating sustainable improvement systems
• Developing school culture and climate transformation
• Implementing research-based leadership frameworks in turnaround contexts

Paper Session 3: District-Level Strategic Initiatives “Scaling Success: District-Wide Approaches to School Improvement” This session examines district-level strategies that support comprehensive school turnaround efforts. Presentations will explore how universities can partner with districts to create systemic change. Topics include:

• District-university partnerships for sustainable improvement
• Resource allocation and strategic planning
• Building district capacity for supporting turnaround schools
• Creating coherent improvement frameworks across multiple sites

Paper Session 4: Policy Framework and Implementation “Policy to Practice: Creating Supportive Conditions for School Turnaround” This session analyzes policy frameworks that enable successful school turnaround initiatives: Presentations will examine how research universities can inform and influence policy development. Topics include:

• Evidence-based policy recommendations for school improvement
• University roles in policy development and implementation
• Accountability systems that support meaningful change
• Creating policy conditions for sustainable turnaround

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Poster Session: “Strategies for Urban K-12 School Turnaround and University-School Partnerships” The poster session should focus on sharing innovative, evidence-based strategies, research, and practices that universities can use to support urban K-12 school turnaround efforts. Below are some suggested poster topics for the session. Poster Topics include:

1. University-School Collaborative Models for Successful Turnaround

• Examining university-led initiatives that have partnered with urban schools for sustainable change.
• Best practices for establishing effective, long-term partnerships between universities and K-12 schools.

2. Leadership Development in Urban Schools

• Research on training and developing school leaders to effectively manage turnaround efforts.
• Case studies of school leaders who have successfully navigated turnaround processes.

3. Data-Driven Approaches to Improving Student Achievement

• The role of universities in providing data analytics support for school improvement plans.
• Using student performance data to tailor intervention strategies for struggling schools.

4. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Urban Schools

• Approaches to integrating culturally relevant teaching practices to engage diverse student populations.
• Case examples of successful culturally responsive curriculum development in turnaround schools.

5. Teacher Development and Support for School Turnaround Success

• Effective professional development models for teachers in underperforming schools.
• Mentoring, coaching, and training strategies that universities can provide for K-12 educators.

6. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement in School Turnaround

• Strategies for engaging parents, local businesses, and other community members in school improvement.
• The role of community partnerships in supporting long-term turnaround efforts.

7. Addressing Trauma and Mental Health in Urban K-12 Schools

• University partnerships in providing mental health services and trauma-informed practices in schools.
• Addressing the impact of poverty, violence, and other stressors on student performance.

8. Innovative Curriculum Models for Urban Schools

• University involvement in developing and implementing innovative curriculum models that meet the needs of urban students.
• Examples of successful curriculum redesigns that have led to measurable improvements in student outcomes.

9. Technology Integration for Urban School Improvement

• How universities are helping schools leverage technology for improved teaching and learning outcomes.
• Best practices for integrating ed-tech tools to support personalized learning in urban classrooms.

10. Policy Advocacy for Systemic Change in Urban Education

• University-led advocacy efforts to influence state and federal policies related to urban school improvement.
• Case studies on how policy change has impacted turnaround efforts in urban K-12 schools.

11. College and Career Readiness Programs in High-Poverty Schools

• University partnerships with high-poverty schools to develop programs that prepare students for post-secondary education and careers.
• Examples of successful programs that have increased college enrollment rates in urban communities.

12. Sustainability and Scalability of School Turnaround Programs

• Ensuring the longevity and scalability of turnaround initiatives once university support has been established.
• Strategies for maintaining momentum and securing resources for ongoing improvement efforts.

13. Intersection of Urban Education and Social Justice

• Exploring how university research can guide the development of policies and practices that support educational equity in urban schools.
• Addressing systemic inequities and promoting social justice through education reform.

14. Evaluating the Impact of Turnaround Strategies in Urban Schools

• Developing effective evaluation tools to measure the success of university-supported turnaround efforts.
• Case studies on the impact of specific interventions on school performance and student outcomes.

15. Leveraging Federal and State Funding for School Turnaround

• Identifying funding opportunities and grants that can support university-school collaborations for turnaround initiatives.
• Best practices for universities in assisting schools with navigating funding and resource allocation for turnaround efforts.

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Submission Guidelines: Papers and Posters should address one of the four organizational levels while emphasizing:

• Evidence-based practices and research methodology
• Partnership frameworks between universities and K-12 institutions
• Measurable outcomes and implementation strategies
• Scalability and sustainability of proposed solutions
• Implications for policy and practice

Each submission should include:

• Abstract (30 words maximum); Proposal (500 words maximum)
• Context and Background: Describe the school setting and challenge or issue addressed
• Strategies and Implementation: Explain the approach, steps taken, and key actions
• Outcomes and Lessons Learned: Share measurable results, successes, and challenges
• Practical Implications: Discuss how this work can inform and support educators, leaders, and school improvement efforts
• Collaboration Insights: Highlight any partnerships with schools, districts, or organizations
• References (if applicable)

The Call for proposals is now open. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL.

Timeline:

• Monday June 30, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time – Submission Deadline
• Friday August 1, 2025 – Acceptance Notifications
• Friday August 29, 2025 – Registration Deadline for Presenters
• Friday September 12, 2025 – Schedule Published
• Tuesday September 23, 2025- Conference