One year into a state turnaround program, some of Michigan's lowest-performing schools are showing improvement.
A couple of years ago, the state was threatening to close 38 schools. But the backlash was intense.
An alternative plan, called the "Partnership Model," lets these districts come up with their own improvement plan, gives them a little extra money, and a state partner.
Michigan State University Professor Katharine Strunk is tracking the early results.
She says in the first year, math and reading scores went up.
But districts are pouring resources into training teachers who come in for a little while, then leave.
"And that just makes it incredibly hard to do the kind of reform work that we want these districts to do."
Detroit Public Schools saw some of the biggest improvements.