A Large School Can Turn Around

Ten years ago, Brockton High School, where one in three dropped out, is described by The New York Times as a case in failure. Led by Susan Szachowicz, a group of teachers organized a campaign to teach reading and writing in every class, including gym.

Then, in 2001 more kids passed the state tests after failing the year before, than at any other Massachusetts school. Gains continued and this year and last, Brockton, with 4,100 kids of many ethnicities outperformed 90% of the state's 350 high schools.

How did they do it?

All 300 educators in the building were trained in back to basics. When the school's scores first rose nine years ago, the state education commissioner came to congratulate the faculty and students. While 69% of the kids who qualify for free lunches had little aspiration, teachers were urged to say, "When you go to college…" in every class, every day.

At a time when small and turnaround efforts are burgeoning, Brockton sets a marvelous example of goal setting, collaboration and group by-in.

Read "How High Schools Become Exemplary" by Harvard economist Ronald Ferguson.

Reported By: Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio