Making Waves in Riverside: A Superintendent/Principal Partnership for Dramatic School Turnaround

Abstract

This case was written for use in educational leadership programs preparing superintendents, central office leaders, and school principals. This case requires students to draw from knowledge of successful school turnaround, effective school leadership, and system-wide reform strategies to consider how a first year superintendent and a newly hired principal implement turnaround strategies in a persistently low-performing school amid increasing pressure and scrutiny from the surrounding business and civic community. The case begins with the history and context of the community and school district and then explores the significant events and challenges during the first year of implementation.