State interventions in chronically low-performing schools

In this study researchers identified 25 studies that focused on the association between a state intervention and student outcomes. The review found that:

•    Most of the research focused on one type of state intervention: working with a turnaround partner. Very little research has been conducted to examine other types of interventions such as school closure, charter conversion, and school redesign.

•    Results of studies of turnaround partner interventions were mixed and suggested that student achievement was more likely to improve when particular factors were in place in schools such as strong leadership, use of data to guide instruction, and a positive school culture characterized by trust and increased expectations for students.

•    Most of the studies were descriptive, which limits conclusions about the effectiveness of the interventions.