Supporting Networks of Improvement: The Role of External Support Providers in Cultivating Coherence

• In Event: Transforming and Shifting Systems to Ameliorate Inequity

Abstract

To develop organizational capacity, districts and schools have partnered with external support providers in solving problems of practice. This paper presents a comparative case study of two organizations that support improvement networks in one state, focusing on how they help schools/districts build capacity for engaging in continuous improvement. Findings highlight two coherence strategies: weaving and stacking. These strategies shaped their overall orientation to supporting improvement, understanding of continuous improvement, uses of data, and central strategy for engagement with their partners. Findings contribute to theoretical and empirical understanding of implementation of continuous improvement for scale and the role of external support providers.

Authors

• Vicki Park, San Diego State University

• Alix Gallagher, Stanford University

• Kiley O'Meara

• Ben Cottingham, Stanford University