The Doing What Works LibraryLibrary
4. Quick Wins

Make visible improvements early in the school turnaround process.

Dramatic improvement on an entrenched problem, early in the turnaround process, can build enthusiasm and commitment to the larger reform effort. For example, painting, cleaning, or landscaping the school can help staff and students see it as a place with potential. Reducing hallway chaos through 'hands-down' types of rules can help eliminate distractions from learning. Successful quick wins generally can be done by the school leaders without substantial additional resources or approvals, and should make a visible difference in the daily lives of staff and students. In the short term, focusing on quick wins can establish a climate for long-term change. At times, principals may feel that they are faced with competing, urgent priorities. However, when they are able to identify one or two clear goals that can be accomplished quickly, the positive results focus attention on the message that it is possible to reach a school's overarching goal—raising student achievement.