Developing Arizona Turnaround Leaders to Build High-Capacity Schools in the Midst of Accountability Pressures and Changing Demographics

Today's accountability policies and changing demographics have created conditions in which leaders must rapidly build school capacity and improve outcomes in culturally diverse schools. This article presents findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of an Arizona Turnaround Leadership Development Project. The project drew on studies of turnaround leadership, capacity, and turnaround leadership development projects. Leadership teams attended institutes and regional coaching sessions focused on assessment literacy, curriculum, culturally responsive practices, organizational redesign, and community relationships. Results indicated gains in turnaround leadership knowledge and the importance of district support, full participation, and relationships with culturally diverse community members.