The Critical Role of Utility and Feasibility in the Change Process

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Analysis of Policy and School Reform: Reimagining More Just Futures (Table 5)

Abstract

When developing a new project, educators often put together a “theory of change” to explain the key elements of a new idea and how they fit together to create an impact. Often, developers are also asked to explain the“ feasibility” and “utility” of a project. Addressing the feasibility and utility of a project are essential if the developer wants the project ideas to spread or “go to scale.” The argument made in this study is that a project’s feasibility and utility are critical considerations for the project’s theory of change. This paper uses a mixed method approach to identify the critical structural and individual factors that influence the success and sustainability of educational innovations.

Authors

• Ellen B. Meier, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Caron M. Mineo, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Madalina Ciocanu, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Yingxin Ye, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Bryan Keller, Teachers College, Columbia University