Empowering Urban K-12 School Turnaround: A Call to Action for Major Research Universities in Large Metropolitan Cities

Abstract

Since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 and its reauthorization as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, school accountability for student performance has drawn increased public attention, prompting states to adopt three primary accountability systems: A-F letter grades (16 states), school index scores (12 states), and ESSA ratings (22 states). Despite two decades of reform efforts, every state has a minimum of 200 or more schools receiving failing letter grades or index scores, with urban K-12 districts in large metropolitan cities continuing to face the most persistent challenges. This chapter argues that Colleges of Education at Major Research Universities (MRUs) represent a largely untapped resource for facilitating successful school turnaround in these contexts. Drawing on national-level National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data, state-level accountability frameworks, and case analyses of school turnaround efforts in Louisiana, Michigan, and Tennessee, the chapter examines why current reform efforts have fallen short and what role MRUs can play moving forward. The author proposes a ten-point Blueprint for Major Research Universities that outlines actionable strategies including designating an institutional Champion, creating a center or institute focused on school turnaround, expanding College of Education programming into metropolitan areas, and building partnerships with local school districts, community colleges, and civic stakeholders. The chapter concludes that MRUs have an opportunity to create win-win scenarios that simultaneously transform urban schools, expand institutional reach, and prepare a new generation of educators to lead in metropolitan contexts.