School Turnaround Pilot Program
Background
In 2024, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 168. Among the provisions included in the legislation is the School Turnaround Pilot Program. The turnaround pilot seeks to expand services available for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools. The legislation requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce:
- To establish and administer the five-year School Turnaround Pilot Program to address chronic low performance in school districts and community schools, and establish a school building selection process.
- To partner with districts, schools, and community school sponsors.
- To select up to 15% of CSI buildings from at least five (5) different SST regions.
- To conduct an annual evaluation of the program.
- To receive data regularly from participating districts, community schools, and approved service providers.
Each school district or community school that elects to participate in the program shall choose a single service provider approved by the Department to conduct a needs assessment, develop a multi-year improvement plan, and ensure the implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve academic achievement in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
Service providers will collaborate with school districts and community schools to ensure that services and interventions are aligned with identified needs and will recommend system-wide improvements to the Department.
Approved Service Providers for FY26
Contact: Ellen McGahey
Catapult Learning’s school turnaround model centers on a holistic, research-driven approach built on five core strands: Leadership, Pedagogy & Curriculum, Assessment for Learning, Learning Environment, and Student & Family Support. We emphasize data-driven cycles of continuous improvement that include needs assessment, school improvement planning and execution, and routine opportunities to monitor and adjust. Services are delivered in-person or via a blended model and include professional development, individual and team coaching for leaders and teachers, and interventions for diverse learners. Progress is tracked using multiple data sources, surveys, and observational tools, ensuring responsive adjustments and stakeholder engagement throughout each partnership.
Contact: Melinda Isaacs
Cognia’s turnaround support centers on collaboration with local leadership to build close partnerships with schools to drive lasting improvement. Our work has produced substantial gains in achievement, attendance, and graduation rates. In Tennessee, 100% of schools we work with have exited the state’s improvement list—including two that had remained on it for 11 years. Our methodology features collaborative quality reviews to uncover root causes and customized 30-60-90-day Action Plans. Through evidence-based support—including embedded coaching, targeted professional learning, and continuous progress monitoring—Cognia helps strengthen leadership and instructional capacity for sustainable success.
Contact: Earl Phalen
Entrepreneurial Ventures in Education (EVE) offers comprehensive school improvement services grounded in data-driven instruction, coaching and professional development, and a proven track record of academic growth in underserved schools. We have transformed multiple D- and F-rated schools into A- and B-rated schools. We believe in a client-centric approach, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs and objectives of each organization. Our seasoned staff work closely with you to understand your challenges, develop strategic road maps, and execute effective solutions.
Contact: Kelsey Hendricks
Instruction Partners builds leader capacity to improve instruction in ELA, early literacy, and math. We focus on strengthening the instructional leadership practices that have an impact on student outcomes -- materials, collaborative planning, coaching, and data. We partner shoulder-to-shoulder to support improvement efforts, with an intentional focus on ensuring improved outcomes for students of color, students experiencing poverty, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners. We build instructional leader capacity at all levels (teacher leaders through superintendents) aligned with the context of the district for lasting impact and sustainable improvements.
Contact:
LaTeesa Allen
MGT offers both comprehensive and targeted support for districts and schools. We begin with a comprehensive needs assessment and data analysis to identify root causes and set clear, measurable goals. We help schools define actionable priorities aligned with district and state objectives. Our coaches provide leadership and instructional coaching, professional learning, modeling, data analysis and support and facilitation of small student groups. Our support is rooted in evidence-based strategies and supports the execution of the Science of Reading. We partner with schools to cultivate visionary and student-centered leadership, fostering sustainable improvement and positive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Contact:
Terry Hofer
WestEd’s Center for School Turnaround and Improvement (CSTI), believes every school has strengths to build on and a path to lasting improvement. We partner closely with school, district, and state leaders to bring focus, momentum, and expert support —helping teams go further, faster. Our work is grounded in evidence-based practice that inspires learning, adaptation, growth, and a commitment to meaningful change. From needs assessments to leadership coaching, instructional support, and tailored professional development, CSTI offers responsive, human-centered support that celebrates each school’s unique context and builds the capacity for sustained growth and success.
Application Information
2025 Application Timeline
The current application window closed on
April 7, 2025.
The Department will be reaching out to eligible districts and schools the second week in May 2025.
Application Information
The Department provided an application template to assist in the organization of the information required in the application. Use of the template was required.
To be considered for the list, the application and appendices were submitted to
School_Improvement@education.ohio.gov. Incomplete or late applications were not considered.
Last Modified: 5/23/2025 8:53:18 AM