Before the Storm

This video clip is adapted from a PowerPoint presentation I created for last night’s Teachers’ Letters to Obama electronic roundtable discussion on school turnarounds. Since starting Failing Schools back in April, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time talking to different people about their experiences working in low-performing schools and school districts. More often than not, many of them have declined to discuss their experiences non-anonymously because they (justifiably) fear retribution. (We are always looking for more brave teachers, parents, and students here–keep sending your stories!)

But after dozens of conversations and interviews, I’ve been startled–stunned— by just how many teachers have described the same pattern of problems in their schools; the same problems I noticed when I was working in this kind of school. Virtually every story I’ve been told about the experience of working in a school that may face or has begun a turnaround contains the same six elements. They are:

1. A perception of failure, and labeling (“needs improvement”; “failing”)
2. The taking of academic shortcuts
3. A more burdensome workload for staff members
4. A toxic work environment
5. Harassment and retaliation
6. Failure

Obviously, this isn’t a scientific study, but the striking regularity with which I hear the same narrative over and over again, from teachers in different states, cities, and school districts, leads me to believe that there is something to it. (It’s time to apply to grad school…) Anyway, watch the video and see what you think.