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
