How to Start Fresh: NACSA’s Steps to Successful Restructuring
Press Release: NACSA Unveils Innovative Guides to “Starting Fresh” in Public Education - January 23, 2009
NACSA today released new copies of its dynamic publication series, Starting Fresh in Low-Performing Schools. Developed by trusted and innovative leaders in the movement to reform education and featuring recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, these guides provide effective strategies to state and district school leaders to turn around chronically low-performing schools.
Starting Fresh in Low-Performing Schools Series:
Download the Starting Fresh books below. To order hard copies, please contact Cathy Cohen.
Book 1 - Starting Fresh in Low-Performing Schools: A New Option for District Leaders
The first book in the series introduces what it means to start fresh and provides an overview of the benefits, challenges and key steps in a Start Fresh strategy for districts. Book 1 sets the stage for the subsequent books that address each of these steps in greater detail.
Book 2 - Engaging Parents and the Community
Starting fresh can empower parents and communities in unprecedented ways – or it can spark conflict that derails reform. Book 2 provides district leaders with concrete strategies for engaging parents and community members productively in the Start Fresh process.
Book 3 - Selecting the Right Start-Fresh Providers
Ultimately, starting fresh will only be as successful as the schools that are launched under its banner. The schools, in turn, will succeed or fail in large part based on who operates them. This book educates district leaders as to the capacity required for successful fresh-starts and the types of groups that may have the requisite capacity, and provides district leaders with strategies for selecting providers that fit the bill.
Book 4 - Establishing the Right Relationship Terms
The very idea of starting fresh requires that the school operator have broad authority to run the school in ways that will work best for students– even if those approaches deviate from established district policies. Granting operators that latitude – and then holding them accountable for results – is an essential element of an effective start-fresh approach. This book guides districts through setting those contractual terms smartly.
Book 5 - Collaborating with Teachers
Starting fresh is controversial, and much of the controversy has little to do with the children who are not learning and more to do with the adults who stand to lose jobs. Bringing teachers to the table to work in support of Start Fresh goals can go a long way in implementing a successful Start Fresh strategy. Book 5 is dedicated to providing district leaders with a spectrum of options for working within the confines of existing union contracts – from negotiating individual agreements for start-fresh schools, to encouraging teachers to apply for schools, to chartering as a means to allow more freedom in staffing.
Why Start Fresh?
