Louisiana School Turnaround Specialist Program
Preparing school principals to turnaround underachieving schools
Overview
The Louisiana School Turnaround Specialist Program (LSTS) is an 8(g) funded leadership development program designed to recruit, groom and build a cadre of school leaders prepared to turnaround chronically underperforming schools. Schools with an Academically Unacceptable Status (AUS) are eligible to participate in the program; with increased priority given to schools at the AUS2 and higher levels. The LSTS utilizes best practices from education and business to strengthen the organizational and instructional leadership skills of currently certified and experienced principals through rigorous selection criteria, significant integrated field-based and mentoring experiences, relevant coursework, and strong coordination with local schools and districts.
The program focuses on improving overall student achievement levels by engaging school leaders in an intense two-year executive leadership program and curriculum delivered through summer institutes, a full-year residency, school year seminars, and district teaming. In addition to providing the participating principals with training and support, school leadership teams and district-level staff members are engaged in the program at multiple levels over the two-year program period. Working collaboratively, the principal and his or her team develop a comprehensive school turnaround plan that focuses on raising student achievement levels.
Participation in the program requires a three-year commitment from school principals and districts. Completion of the program components and implementation of the turnaround plan occurs during years one and two; with continued implementation of the plan during year three to sustain and further advance student achievement gains that have been obtained. Upon successful completion of each year of the program and proof of gains in student achievement, principals will be eligible for a performance-based supplement (dependent on availability of funding). In addition, candidates will be eligible for a Turnaround Leader Endorsement once all program components are successfully completed.
Application
2008-09 LSTS Program Application (pdf)
2008-09 LSTS Program Application (doc)
Timelines and Activities
Currently, two cohorts of principals have been selected to participate in the Louisiana School Turnaround Specialist Program. Cohort I consisting of eleven principals representing six different districts from across the state completed year one of the program during the 2007-08 school year. Cohort I will launch its second year in the turnaround program in July 2008.
The application process for the 2008-09 school year has closed. Eleven principals were selected to represent Cohort II of the LSTS. These turnaround candidates are from seven Louisiana school districts.
Applications for the next cohort of turnaround candidates, Cohort III, will be accepted during the fall of 2008. Look for the application to be posted in October 2008.
Contact Information
Tiffanye McCoy-Thomas, Ed.S., Assistant Director
Division of Leadership & Technology
Office of Educator Support
Louisiana Department of Education
2758-D Brightside Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Phone: (225) 763-5451
Fax: (225) 763-8592
Tmccoy.thomas@la.gov
