1. If educators do _____, then _____ will happen in classrooms.
Theory of Action
If educators do _____,
then _____ will happen
in classrooms.

2. Theory of Action Attributes
Includes causal relationship between what educators do and good result in classroom
Identifies explicit action (at least one specific action to avoid “and then a miracle happens”)
Is results driven (“then” is measurable)
Is empirically falsifiable (evidence can prove or disprove)

3. Sample Theory of Action
If the district leads professional development on Cognitively Guide Instruction (CGI) and provides organizational supports (use of formative and summative data, time, resources, leadership, participative decision-making); then teachers will acquire CGI knowledge and skills.
If teachers engage in learning opportunities with leadership support, plan lessons with peers, deliver lessons with coaching, and examine student data; then teachers will transfer master CGI instructional strategies.
If teachers routinely deliver CGI practices with fidelity, and if students have opportunities to acquire skills in higher order mathematical thinking, and apply skills to solve real world problems; then students’ mathematical problem solving skill will improve.