A Novel Application of Community-Based System Dynamics to Early Literacy Reform

• In Event: Systems Thinking Across Contexts and Levels

Abstract

This study reports on a novel application and evaluation of community-based system dynamics (CBSD) to the issue of early literacy education reform in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through CBSD, a diverse coalition of community stakeholders generated a systems map featuring 46 variables and 11 feedback loops that influence early literacy outcomes in their community and identified three systems-level interventions to guide future collective change efforts: improved early childhood literacy standards, increased social-emotional learning supports, and stronger school-family engagement. Additionally, through an exploratory survey evaluation of the CBSD program, we found that the CBSD experience was associated with positive changes in participants' knowledge of early literacy issues, perception of issue complexity, sense of community around this issue, and approach to problem-solving.

Authors

• David Casalaspi, Johns Hopkins University

• Gabriela Katz, Teach For America, Inc.

• Jessica Rosner, MGT of America, Inc.