The School Turnaround Plan is made possible by a $21.9-million School Improvement Grant (SIG) derived from education stimulus funds. West Virginia must use the SIG to transform the bottom five percent of its schools by replacing principals (who have served for more than two years), undertaking curriculum reform, implementing professional development and extending learning time over the next three years.

As one of West Virginia’s external providers, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt can assist this transformation through its Alliance Initiative, a campaign to achieve success in underperforming schools by developing, implementing and supporting education transformation through a sustained enterprise partnership.

“The Alliance Initiative embodies a creative partnership and a comprehensive reform plan that works to ensure long-term success for districts nationwide,” said Mike Lavelle, K–12 President, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. “HMH looks forward to bringing this unique and proven approach to the schools of West Virginia.”

The Alliance Initiative model looks beyond content to tangible, proven progress by addressing every aspect of school reform. The district-Company partnership begins with an assessment of needs and benchmarks and continues with a customized reform plan that includes data-driven decision making, quality content and assessment, professional development resources and grant and funding support. All Alliance Initiative content for West Virginia complies with the state’s Standards of Learning.