The Role of Leadership in Scaling Implementation of Developmental Math Reform

• In Event: Transforming Educational Systems Toward Equity: Rethinking Leadership

Abstract

In the broad-access postsecondary sector, which serves a plurality of students in higher education, mathematics presents a significant barrier to academic progress. Math pathways are promising approaches to improving success outcomes, however, efforts to implement such reforms effectively at scale have had limited success. This paper reports on a 5-year study that examines the processes involved in implementation of innovation at scale and the role of leadership in managing organizational change. Findings suggest that leadership's role is sensitive to institutional context and that the distributed nature of authority can serve as a barrier or a resource in differing contexts. The study suggests that developing leadership capacity may be an important approach to supporting effective and sustainable improvement at scale.

Authors

• Ann R. Edwards, WestEd

• Angela Knotts, WestEd

• Katie Salguero, WestEd