Characteristics of a Turnaround School District

Dr. Nancy Coogan

Dr. Nancy Coogan possesses more than two decades of experience as a educational executive, superintendent, and principal. Most recently, Dr. Nancy Coogan served as the superintendent of the Tukwila School District, where she implemented STEM-based learning to move the school system into the 21st century.

In addition to her work as an administrator, Dr. Coogan is also an author. In 2015, her article “Becoming a Mindful Superintendent in a Turnaround District,” was published in the Open Journal of Leadership. The article discusses the application of mindfulness and resilience in a turnaround school.

Turnaround districts are school systems that take control of failing public schools and implement a “turnaround” model to improve their performance. The policy has its roots in the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which has been reauthorized multiple times over the years. More recently, the Obama administration designated the turnaround strategy as one of four methods to improve schools (the others being restart, transformation, and closure).

Typically, the turnaround model involves the replacement of the existing principal, along with the implementation of strategies to recruit and retain high-quality teachers. Often, this involves the dismissal of existing staff that perform poorly.

Moreover, professional development programs are put in place to further improve staff quality, and a governance structure transformation often takes place. For students, the turnaround model leads to increased learning time, data analytics to assess performance, and community-oriented services.

Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Reduce Stress

 

Mindfulness
Image: verywellmind.com

Dr. Nancy Coogan, an experienced school superintendent, holds an EdD in educational leadership from Washington State University. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Nancy Coogan has authored several academic articles and been featured in the book, “Mindfulness for Educational Practice, A Path to Resilience for Challenging Work.”

Published in 2015, this book examines original research on mindfulness as a means of improving school outcomes. In its simplest form, mindfulness refers to a sense of awareness and engagement in the world around us. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to improve mood, promote positive thinking, and even reduce anxiety and stress.

Some simple ways to practice mindfulness include focusing more attention on others and avoiding judgmental thinking. Focusing on small details throughout the day, especially familiar objects, can also work to increase awareness and promote mindfulness.

Other techniques include breathing exercises such as meditation, and sensory exercises that boost awareness of the body. Any of these exercises can be employed on a daily basis to increase mindfulness and reduce stress.