When Does Reform Work?

Joanne Jacobs tells about the transformation of Keiller Leadership Academy in San Diego. Due to accountability provisions in No Child Left Behind converting underperforming schools to charter status or simply reconstituting them has become much more common. Policy makers have tried to ensure certain key components are in place, such as effective leadership, new staff, a new curriculum, and a specific mission. As you will learn from Joanne Jacobs' post, school reform can be effective, but it's a lot of hard work and a firm commitment to the core values of the new school.