Although Pappano discusses many schools and their efforts, the main focus of the book is on Hartford, Connecticut. She explores turnaround from various angles, such as regular public, as well as charter schools and talks about the complexity involved in turnaround. Among charter school efforts, she frequently references KIPP and Achievement First.
In Pappano's words, "School turnaround--this adrenaline-charged movement that we are presently in--is about rapid and dramatic improvement not just in test scores but also in culture, attitude, and student aspirations. It is marked not by orderly implementation but by altering a lot at once and being willing to step in and change--and change again. It is a new paradigm for education, one not about trusting the process but about seeking results, both measurable and immeasurable" (p. 3).
Throughout the book Pappano discusses that each school is unique and it is not as simple as simply transplanting one successful model to another school and expecting it to work without intentionally considering each unique context. She explains that reform is messy and rife with complications. In addition, she brought up the need to consider both theoretical school design and implementation.
The focal schools discussed are still deeply entrenched in their reform efforts - thus the "unfolding stories" aspect of the title. It is too soon to know for sure what the long term effect of current reform efforts will be. Through the book Pappano brought up many relevant and timely issues in education, considering different points of view. I appreciated that the quick read left me with a lot to ponder and think about with regards to our current educational context.
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