System-Wide Approaches to Continuous Improvement: Lessons From Eight Urban School Districts

• In Event: Systemic Issues in Educational Improvement

Abstract

Despite increasing interest in the implementation of systematic approaches to continuous improvement, there is still a dearth of in-depth knowledge of how this work is carried out. Using qualitative case study methods, we examine the continuous improvement approaches of eight urban districts working with a technical assistance provider. The findings highlight districts’ overall CI approaches, efforts to build coherence, and strategies to engage with the front-line. This study contributes the empirical knowledge of how districts implement continuous improvement, offering insights into how organizational contexts shape systemic improvement efforts as well providing practical implementation lessons for leaders, policymakers, and intermediary organizations.

Authors

• Vicki Park, San Diego State University

• Alix Gallagher, Stanford University

• Ben Cottingham, Stanford University

• Kate Kennedy, University of Southern California

• Angela Gong, Stanford University