Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Debunking turnaround claims of "unimaginable success"

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Debunking turnaround claims of "unimaginable success":

Debunking turnaround claims of "unimaginable success"

by Mike Klonsky

As hundred of protesters gather outside of CPS headquarters this morning to try and prevent the handing over of 10 more schools to AUSL, a private turnaround company, a new study is released which debunks claims made by the mayor and his CPS spin squad about the supposed overwhelming success of turnarounds.

Turnaround schools have become a central piece of Arne Duncan's Race To The Top strategy imposed on states and local school districts in exchange for federal funds. While billions are currently being invested by the federal government in turnaround schools nationally, little research has been carried out about their effectiveness. CPS officials, led by former AUSL execs