Committing to Collective Improvement: Lessons From the CORE Districts' Transition Into a Networked Improvement Community

• In Event: Networked Improvement Communities (NICs): Understanding the NIC Model for Improvement and Scaling

Abstract

Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) are becoming more prevalent as promising models to facilitate both small- and large-scale system improvement in education. In this paper, we share first year findings from a longitudinal developmental evaluation of one existing collaborative network, the CORE districts. Our findings explore the variables that have facilitated the CORE districts’ transition to a NIC and enabled them to begin thinking about their work together differently. We also highlight how membership and management decisions in the early stages of a NIC can influence the pace and trajectory of the NIC’s improvement journey.

Authors

• Michelle B. Nayfack, American Institutes for Research

• Vicki Park, San José State University