Continuous Improvement Takes Well-Designed Comprehensive Program Evaluation
Use Evaluation to Learn to Improve Over the past three decades leaders in the business and social sectors, including education, have focused on reform, transformation and improvement. Improvement science has demonstrated that continuous improvement is essential to success. Leaders in this effort are Anthony Bryk and Louis Gomez and the work of the Carnegie Foundation […]
Read more...Improve Processes to Improve Outcomes
Improve processes to improve outcomes Six Sigma and Process Review in Schools The evaluation team at Ray.Taylor and Associates strives to both prove the efficacy of an initiative and to provide information, recommendations and insight to improve the initiative. To improve an initiative one must look deeply at the full system and the processes as […]
Read more...Lessons for Educators from the Campaign Trail
Even from the bird’s eye view political campaigning, especially at the presidential level, is rich with lessons that may transfer to schools. Educators are often frustrated in how to reach and engage parents and communities and to build support and buy-in for schools and school championed causes. The 2012 election showed the masters of community organizing at work. Let’s look into their strategies and tools to find what can be mined for application in service of schools.
Read more...Understanding Transformation and Change
Successfully leading transformation and change in organizations requires understanding how change is experienced, and knowledge of strategies to optimize success and sustainability. John Kotter’s list of eight steps in transforming organizations was first published in 1995. You may recognize in the list factors that are at work in transformation in your schools and some that may be missing.
Read more...6 Challenges Are Key for High Performing Schools That Aim to Achieve More
A tenet of meaningful change is creating conditions of urgency to act and displeasure with the status quo. For many schools, these conditions are present every day. Looming budget crises, public scorn for inadequate academic performance, and fleeing student populations create the crises that act as catalysts for change. Yet across the country, some schools are hallmarks of high academic performance.
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