In highly implemented schools, student achievement test scores in mathematics were 298, in language 315, and in reading 275, while the state mean was 250. Teachers reported that student behavior problems declined significantly. Currently, Turning Points is working with 14 middle schools in the Boston Public Schools District. Member schools are provided with a variety of supports to help implement a school's change plan. Experienced coaches engage teams of teachers in collaborative work to assess student progress and improve instruction, and to develop curriculum and authentic assessments.
Coaches work to create shared leadership structures and involve all faculty in major decisions.
The Self Study offers comprehensive data on a school's demographics, teaching, learning, assessment, teaming, leadership, climate, and student adjustment and behavior. It is one piece of a variety of data a school uses as part of its data-based decision making process. Turning Points provides practical resources to implement the six practices, including published guides on curriculum development, data-based inquiry, teaming, school benchmarks, looking at student work, school structures and shared leadership. It is also developing an interactive website and e-mail service. Turning Points schools use the Turning Points Benchmarks to measure their progress both in an annual assessment and goal setting process, and a more intensive School Quality Review every 3-4 years.