The Tennessee Achievement School District: Lessons from Research

1. The Tennessee Achievement School District:Lessons from Research Joshua l. Glazer, PH.D. George Washington University

2. The ASD Theory of Action • Autonomy for providers • Providers determine curriculum, instruction, hiring, all educational processes • Minimal district role • Lofty goals • Move students to top quartile in 5 years • Stringent system of accountability • Expansion and continued role dependent on performance • Parental choice

3. Key lesson #1: Providers in unfamiliar territory • Providers can’t control enrollment • Providers can’t rely on “active” parent choice • Providers can’t focus solely on teaching and learning • Providers have large special education burden • Implication: improvements in learning outcomes have progressed slowly • Takeaway: providers will need time (3-4 years) until they can show results.

4. Key lesson #2Relations with other agencies key • Relationship with proximal districts complex and difficult • Relationship with state DoE complex and contested • ASD can feel it is in “hostile territory” • Implication: unresolved issues re. other agencies weaken cooperation and coordination. • Takeaway: Address details of inter-agency coordination ahead of time. Establish collaborative structures.

5. Key Lesson #3politics and education inextricablylinked • Political backlash creates instability for ASD, diverts resources from educational work • Instability adds to CMO burden, diverts resources • Contentious politics complicate collaboration with districts and DoE • Threaten long-term viability of ASD • Implication: Strong legal status does not equal stability • Takeaway: Build coalition beyond political majority; don’t underestimate power of local politics

6. Key Lesson #4:Racial politics can threaten enterprise • In Memphis, history of race relations shapes the way the ASD is understood; • Greatly complicates efforts to build strong coalition Lesson learned: School reform is not just “about the kids.” Other interests at play. Takeaway: Invest time and effort co-opting local leaders, minority groups, community leaders.

7. Major takeaways • Don’t overpromise! • Assume it will take longer than you think • Depict ASD as a state-wide R&D lab, not as panacea • Don’t confuse political majority with a viable coalition • Assume that new CMOs need 5 years to build infrastructure

8. Thank you! jglazer@gwu.edu