In implementing NCLB, many states took steps to lower expectations for schools in order to reduce the number of schools identified as low performing. In 2006 and 2007, Education Sector published reports documenting this phenomena (
Report I and
Report II). Yet, in spite of state efforts, over time more and more schools have been identified first as having not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), then as being in need of school improvement, corrective action, and finally restructuring. Earlier this week, Education Sector released a report that documents what has happened to schools identified for restructuring, and the need for the federal government to
“restructure” restructuring.
Understanding where states have been is especially important now as states begin to plan how to spend their share of $3 billion in School Improvement Grants (SIG). Unfortunately, most states took a hands-off approach, and left it to districts to implement and oversee school restructuring. School districts had to choose among the following options:
- Replace most of the school staff
- Hire a private management organization to run the school
