Why is Stewart Middle School in the Turnaround model and not the Restart or Transformation?
The Restart model, as prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, calls for the district to contract out the operation of a public school to a private entity, such as a charter school. Washington State is one of the few states that do not allow charter schools. So the Restart model wasn’t an option for any of our schools. The Transformation model is designed primarily to enhance the operation of schools already undergoing significant new academic improvement programs. Jason Lee, which already is in a school improvement process under a new principal, best fits the Transformation model. Consequently, the district proposed applying the Turnaround model to Stewart. As currently proposed, Stewart would shift toward a curriculum based on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
