Improvement Science in Education

“This is an important book for educators who seek to use scientific means for solving all kinds of problems—particularly problems of educational equity. It addresses problems of practice, from instructional problems to organizational problems, and the nature of problems in general. As described by Hinnant-Crawford, improvement science will serve as a useful framework to undergird our continuous improvement efforts to alleviate inequities in education.”

Gloria Ladson-Billings, PhD, President, National Academy of Education Fellow, American Academy of Arts & Sciences; Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin, Madison

“Hinnant-Crawford has made clear the link between equity, justice, and improvement science. By focusing on the systems-level, improvement science empowers educational leaders to actively change the structures that perpetuate inequities for our children. This book offers a distinct set of tools for practitioners who strive to champion equity and justice as drivers of change.”

Jill Alexa Perry, PhD, Executive Director, Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED); Associate Professor of the Practice, University of Pittsburgh

“This book has arrived at exactly the right time for anyone who aspires to establish and nurture ‘improvement science’ as an essential foundation to better meet the needs of all students.”

Lydia Dobyns, President and CEO of New Tech Network

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

Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford

Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Educational Research at Western Carolina University. As a mixed-methods methodologist, she believes in the complementary nature of quantitative and qualitative research, and seeks to use research in transformative ways (such as with improvement science). Dr. Hinnant-Crawford’s work has been published in diverse venues such as Urban Education, the Journal for Multicultural Education, and Black Theology. She holds a PhD from Emory University in Educational Studies, a master’s degree in Urban Education Policy from Brown University, and bachelor’s degrees in English and Communication (media concentration) from North Carolina State University. While she loves research and teaching, her first priority is being the mother of her seven-year-old twins, Elizabeth Freedom and Elijah Justice Crawford.