Improvement Science in Education

Improvement Science in Education: A Primer provides a comprehensive overview of improvement science as a framework to guide continuous improvement and reconceptualizes improvement by centering equity and justice as the purpose of improvement. This Primer is designed to introduce improvement science, a methodology with origins in manufacturing, engineering and healthcare, to educational audiences. The book first explores the philosophical and methodological foundations of improvement science, juxtaposing it with traditional forms of research so that clear distinctions can be drawn. Chapters in the latter half of the book introduce the principles of improvement, give guidance and tools for operationalizing the principles in practice, and conclude with questions to ensure you are improving with equity in mind. Constantly reminding readers to think about who is involved and impacted, the Primer makes improvement science accessible to novices and adds critical dimensions for experienced practitioners to consider.


List of Tables and Figures


Acknowledgements


SECTION ONE

Introduction—A Primer on Improvement Science


Chapter 1. Research, Science, and Education


Chapter 2. What is Improvement Science? Why do you need it?


SECTION TWO

What is the Exact Problem I’m Trying to Solve?


Chapter 3. Collaborating to Define Problems: Definitions with Stakeholder Voices


Chapter 4. Discerning Variation: Fluctuation in Processes and Outcomes


SECTION THREE

What Change Might I Introduce and Why?


Chapter 5. Using a Wide-Angle Lens: Seeing the System Producing Your Outcomes


Chapter 6. Developing Theories to Drive Improvement


Chapter 7. Operationalizing Your Theory with Practical Measurement


Chapter 8. Planning, Doing, Studying, and Acting: Improvement Methodology


Chapter 9. Accelerating Improvements with Networks


Chapter 10. Improvement Science in Education


Epilogue. Why Does a Black Girl Endorse Improvement Science?


Appendix. Glossary