Apply a J-Curve to Achieve Success, Not Perpetuate Excuses

Abstract: The billion dollar Race to the Top incentive funding has K-12 schools seeking zero-to-60 solutions that can increase the speed of student learning and change the direction of the nearly 22,000 schools that are failing to meet adequate yearly progress. This acceleration will require a paradigm shift from antiquated educational models that perpetuated excuses for lack of performance to innovative teaching models that propel the speed of improvement. Sixth Street Prep is a shining example of such a school. Embracing the J-curve model and implementing innovative teaching methods that include purposeful technologies such as Turning Technologies’ student response systems, Sixth Street Prep has demonstrated that NCLB is indeed an achievable mission.

Keywords: Primary and Secondary Education Brief