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George Hall Elementary, located in Mobile, Alabama, underwent a transformative turnaround beginning in 2004, after being identified as a failing school. With a predominantly African American student body, 99% of whom come from low-income backgrounds, the school implemented a structured change focusing on physical plant improvement, mission and vision transformation, and staff development. Key strategies included cleaning the environment, redefining the school's culture, enhancing teacher training, and fostering strong community relationships. This turnaround aimed to uplift the student community and improve academic success.
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Launching School Turnaround A View from Inside George Hall Elementary Mobile, Alabama
George Hall Elementary Terri Tomlinson-Principal Demographics: 99% African American 1% White 98% Free/Reduced 11% Homeless 11% Special Ed
Background of Hall • PreK-5 • Located in Maysville area of Mobile • Serves 2 large federal housing developments and several residential areas • Most families live below poverty level • Most are single parent homes • Community school / no buses • Identified by ALSDE at a Failing School in 2003 • Began Turnaround process in 2004
Structure of Change • Physical Plant • Mission and Vision • Safe, Orderly Climate • Staff Development • Practices • People
Physical Plant Transformation Addressed Building Concerns: • Removed trash • Removed outdated equipment • Hung bulletin boards • Painted halls and classrooms • Purged Media Center collection • Redesigned Computer Lab • Relocated classrooms • Cleaned exterior of building • Landscaped grounds
Transforming the Mission and Vision • Engaged staff in developing a shared mission • Developed short and long term goals • Communicated plans and expectations • Articulated high expectations
Transforming the Culture Developed Procedures • Parent Student Handbook • Teacher Handbook • Discipline Plan • Safety Plan • Master schedule • Collaborative planning time • Strategic dismissal
Transforming Staff Development • Conducted Book Studies • A Framework for Understanding Poverty • Whatever It Takes • The Morning Meeting • SMART Goals • Put Reading First • Bringing Words to Life • Created Pyramid of Interventions • Participated in data meetings/PST meetings • Provided job embedded planning time
Transforming Practices • Provide formal/informal focused staff development • Empower teachers/develop teacher leaders • Collaborate to improve practices • Model “Best Practices” and reflective thinking • Create a culture of trust among faculty • Network with schools inside and outside the district • Provide quality instruction aligned with the course of study and state assessments • Conduct team-building activities for team/faculty bonding
Transforming Relationships • Report Card Conferences • Partnership Conferences • Parent/Student/School Compacts • Partners In Education • AltaPointe • Reading and Math Nights • Parent Meetings • Home Visits • Mentor Schools Inside and Outside the District
Students who are taught by an effective teacher for three years in a row can more than double their achievement.