Persistently Improving Schools in Michigan: Moving Past a History of Low Performance

Over the past decade, the Michigan Department of Education has sought to implement a support system to break the cycle of low performance in the state’s schools. This study documents the progress of six schools that made significant progress within five years. Three common themes emerged: a focus on school leadership; consistency, collaboration, and engagement among school leaders; and a culture of caring among teachers, leaders, and students in the school.