This powerpoint is based on Failure is Not an Option by Alan Blankstein, Chapter 3. This explains how to turnaround low performing schools that will be based on the next chapters in this book: Six principles that advance student improvement and success.

1. Creating Sustainable
Systematic School Change
Wafa Hozien, Ph.D.
Virginia State University
whozien@vsu.edu
Based on the Book: Why Failure Is Not An Option

2. 10 Common Routes to Failure and
How to Avoid Each
CHAPTER 3

3. 10 Common Routes to Failure, and
How to Avoid Each

4. Overview: Obstacles to Change and Possible
Solutions
Obstacle
Possible Solutions
Obstacle 1: We Don’t
Want to Change
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•
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Phase in sustainable change
Begin with the “willing few”
Create fail-safe environments for pioneers to operate
Provide forums for successes to be heard, celebrated and
emulated
•
Reevaluate the leadership style toward ensuring long-term
commitment from staff to success of all students
Create teacher-led leadership teams
Endorse the changes teachers determine are beneficial for
students
Obstacle 2: You’re
the Leader, Tell Me
What to Do
Obstacle 3: We Have
No Time For This!
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Determine if time is the only issue
Ensure that the change process is seen as worth the time
spent
Provide common planning time
Involve students in community-based service learning
Create banks of time
Explore the options discussed in Resource 2, Strategies for
Making Time

5. Obstacle
Possible Solutions
•
Obstacle 4: Carrots
and Sticks Don’t Work
•
Obstacle 5: Students
Must Be Tested and
Graded
Obstacle 6: The
Mandates are in the
Way
•
Provide constructive alternatives to extrinsic
rewards such as grades
Emphasize that the goal is to learn and to grow
continually
• Revise grading system
• Use project-based learning alternatives
• Work with the school district toward
acceptance of data on teacher performance
based on the school’s principles of learning
• Use buffering strategies to protect staff

6. Obstacle
Possible Solutions
Obstacle 7: We Like
Last Year’s Silver
Bullet Better
•
•
•
Clarify intentions, beliefs, values, and mission to ensure
alignment of new initiatives
Build internal capacity and direction versus external search for
quick solutions
Show how new initiatives offer a well-planned and assessed
means of reaching the school’s smart goals
Obstacle 8: We Don’t
Know What We Want,
What We Need, or the
Difference Between the
Two
•
Ask school teams to take the quick self- assessment provided in
Resource 3.
Obstacle 9: We Can’t
Agree
•
•
Gain consensus on the definition of consensus
Confront behaviors that are inconsistent with the mutual
agreement
Broadly tout and celebrate successes
•
Obstacle 10: We’re
Waiting for the Dream
Team
•
•
Recognize that taking leadership at any level- in the classroom
or building – can still contribute to student success
Pursue the ideal response to a void in leadership: Fill it

7. Obstacle
Possible Solutions
•
•
Obstacle 9: We Can’t
Agree
Obstacle 10: We’re
Waiting for the Dream
Team
•
•
•
Gain consensus on the definition of consensus
Confront behaviors that are inconsistent with the mutual
agreement
Broadly tout and celebrate successes
Recognize that taking leadership at any level- in the
classroom or building – can still contribute to student
success
Pursue the ideal response to a void in leadership: Fill it

8. • Blankstein, Alan M. (2004). Failure Is Not an Option:
Six Principles That Advance Student Achievement in
Highly Effective Schools. Thousand Oaks, Calif. :
Corwin.
References