Secondary Work Session 3: A Case Study Approach to Applying the 5-Step Model

During this session, secondary participants will work in problem-solving groups to use case study materials to apply the 5-step continuous improvement model. As in Sessions 1 and 2, a process coach will assist participants in reviewing Guidebook steps and using worksheets to go through each step of the 5-step model.

The case study of the Eastwest School District is designed to provide further training and practice in conducting Step 1, especially in analyzing performance data in tables and graphs and selecting improvement priorities among all four core indicators. It also is designed to provide background information for conducting Steps 2–5.

The goal of this session is to build participants’ expertise in using the 5-step model to select improvement priorities and develop improvement strategies for these priorities. During Step 1, each problem-solving group should analyze the case materials and select one or more subindicators as improvement priorities for Eastwest School District. The group should then select one of these selected subindicators to focus on for the remaining four steps.

At the end of these sessions, participants will have:

Gained further expertise and practice with each step in the improvement model, Practiced analyzing tables and charts to identify performance gaps and set improvement priorities, Reviewed the literature on root causes and improvement strategies addressing one core indicator, Completed worksheets laying out action steps to address the observed performance gaps in one core indicator, and Designed a strategy for piloting and implementing a comprehensive program improvement effort.

Before beginning this activity, each problem-solving group should select a recorder who will be responsible for taking notes and sharing the group’s observations during the report-out session.

To ensure groups complete the activities included in this session, it is suggested that participants adhere to the following timetable:

Session 3: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

1.Review session and case study materials30 minutes

2.Step 1: Identify and describe major performance gaps20 minutes

3.Step 1: Identify improvement priorities and select subindicator10 minutes

4.Step 2: Identify root causes45 minutes

5.BREAK15 minutes

6.Step 3: Identify best solutions45 minutes

8.Step 4: Develop evaluation strategy30 minutes

9.Step 5: Consider implementation solutions25 minutes

10.Prepare report out20 minutes