The primary purpose of this course is to provide educators with a clear idea of what it takes to improve a low-performing school.  Drawing on new research from the University of Virginia’s unique School Turnaround Specialist program and other studies of successful school improvement projects, the course provides a framework for thinking about systemic change.  Topics include the causes of low performance, the design of effective learning environments, interventions that have proven successful with at-risk students, key elements of organizational change, and the nature of change leadership.  Actual cases of successful and unsuccessful school turnaround efforts are a major component of the course.