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Voice of experience

It Worked When I Started Small, Expanded Gradually

By Jim Slosson
August 2007
I’ve had some experience with systemic change — and you probably have, too. You did everything right. You communicated information based on research through your network of informal leaders. You looked at a lot of ideas and pulled together a plan. You involved all the stakeholders in conversations. You carefully piloted the new materials with building leaders. You hired a top-notch guest speaker to kick off your summit; the media was there. The supe expressed the whole district’s commitment. You worked with the building principals on a follow-up plan. You spent a ton of money for new materials and buckets more on professional development. Two years later, test scores are about the same, and the teachers can give you long lists of reasons why it

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For a big change:

  • Find the right staff and a powerful idea.
  • Provide a sponsor.
  • Start small.
  • Get results.
  • Find a cheerleader.
  • Expand gradually.
  • Implement systemwide when the time is right.

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