Equitable Access Implementation Support Copyright © 2015 American Institutes for Research. All rights reserved. Using the Implementation Playbook to Support Implementation of Equity Plans Lynn Holdheide Deputy Director November 2015

The mission of the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders (GTL Center) is to foster the capacity of vibrant networks of practitioners, researchers, innovators, and experts to build and sustain a seamless system of support for great teachers and leaders for every school in every state in the nation. Mission 2

What We Know About Implementation 3

1.Think of 1–2 examples of what contributed to a successful implementation of an initiative. 2.Think of 1–2 examples of what contributed to an unsuccessful implementation of an initiative. 3.Share with a partner next to you. Successful Implementation: What’s Your Experience? 4

What the Research Tells Us 5

Planning 6

Relationships 7

Local Context 8

Continuous Improvement 9 PlanDoStudyAct

Communication 10

Supporting Equity Plan Implementation 11

 Implementation Planning Tool Purpose: Provide examples of project management tools for implementation planning and share guiding questions and tips for effective monitoring.  Communication Guidebook Purpose: Provide guidance and examples of effective messaging and communication vehicles that generate public and political will.  Creating Coherence Tool Purpose: Provide guidance on aligning equity plans with other states’ strategic plans and initiatives. GTL Center Resources Under Development: The Playbook 12

 Implementation Monitoring Guide  Purpose: Outline a process for monitoring strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, cost-effectiveness of strategies, and progress toward reducing equity gaps.  Local Education Agency (LEA) Implementation Guide  Purpose: Provide guidance for state education agencies (SEAs) to support LEAs in developing local equity plans and implementing strategies in the state equity plan. GTL Center Resources Under Development 13

Preview: Implementation Planning Tool

Implementation Planning Tool 15 Guided planning for robust implementation Highlights and quick tips Prompts for state teams Resources Sample project planning tools

Using the Implementation Tool: Planning for Robust Implementation 16 Step 1: Plan for community awareness.Step 2: Identify a project leader and team.Step 3. Assess current levels of implementation.Step 4: Clarify leading indicators.Step 5: Identify roles and create realistic timelines.Step 6: Act on the plan and monitor progress.

17 Step 1: Plan for community awareness. Quick Tips Identify the community stakeholders and leaders. Determine the current levels of community readiness. Craft a plan of action to increase the levels of community readiness. Resource Connections: Stages of Community Readiness tables in Implementation Tool Appendix, Communication Guide

18 Stages of Community Readiness Activity 1 For each stakeholder group or leader, where do they fall on the “stages of community readiness” scale? The stages of community readiness come from Edwards et al. (2000) and are described in Fixsen et al. (2005). 1 Source: Edwards, Jumper-Thurman, Plested, Oetting, and Swanson, 2000 Step 1: Plan for community awareness. 1 No Awareness: Leaders are unaware of a problem. The status quo is considered acceptable. 2 Denial: Leaders do not think a local problem exists. 3 Vague Awareness: Some leaders and stakeholders feel a local problem needs to be addressed. 4 Preplanning: Some leaders and stakeholders understand a problem exists and begin to think about change. 5 Preparation: Some leaders and stakeholders engage in planning for change. 6 Initiation: A new activity or program is started. 7 Stabilization: Leaders support the implementation of one or two activities or programs. 8 Confirmation/Expansion: Activities and programs are implemented, and leaders and stakeholders support further program improvement or expansion. 9 Professionalization: Strong support exists for activities and programs from leaders, well-trained program staff, and the community.

How aware of the Equity Plan are the various stakeholders in your region? Poll 19 Most stakeholders in my region/district are not aware of this work. (Levels 1–2) There are some stakeholders in states/districts in my region/district that are aware of this work. (Level 3) There are some stakeholders that are beginning to engage in the work in my region/district. (Levels 4–5) Some or all states/districts in my region have begun to implement the Equity Plan work. (Levels 6–7) Some or all states/districts in my region are engaged in the work and talking to others about it. (Levels 8–9) I’m not sure. OR It varies significantly by state/districts. (N/A) Directions: Select the answer choice that best describes your region. We will then share the aggregate results and reflect as a group.

Questions? Comments? 20

Advancing state efforts to grow, respect, and retain great teachers and leaders for all students Lynn Holdheide 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street NW Washington, DC | 21