Earlier this month, West Virginia’s Department of Education also selected HMH as an external provider for its School Turnaround Plan, which aims to transform the bottom five percent of schools over the next three years.

“Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has proven itself an outstanding partner for comprehensive reform in schools and districts seeking a positive transformation,” said Mike Lavelle, K–12 President, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. “We look forward to bringing our proven innovative approach to the schools of Arkansas.”

Just as in West Virginia, HMH can assist Arkansas’ school transformation through its Alliance Initiative, a campaign to achieve success in underperforming schools by developing, implementing and supporting new curriculum and professional development through a sustained enterprise partnership that addresses every aspect of school reform.

The Alliance Initiative partnership begins with a thorough curriculum audit and needs assessment to build a customized school improvement plan that includes systemic review processes for curriculum and instruction, as well as a core vision, mission and goals for the school. Turnaround Project Specialists then implement classroom walkthroughs, coaching sessions and summer academies to train teachers in research-based best instructional practices that empower them to master content; deliver and analyze assessments; integrate technology and twenty-first-century life and career skills into daily instruction; and operate as a collaborative professional learning community to generate continuous improvement. Additionally, HMH involves teachers and parents in intervention strategies to help struggling learners through differentiated instruction.