How to take a new approach to assessing, addressing, and improving quality

Individual Program Reflection

A practical guide to quality review

Reflecting for Continuous Improvement – Planning for Quality 2.0

In the spring of 2019, I wrote a blog titled Instructional Practice: Is our check engine light on? As we launched a collaborative project with Evergreen Education titled Reflecting for Continuous Improvement, Planning for Quality 2.0. What we didn’t know at that time was that almost a year later there would be a pandemic forcing our society to immediately move into a remote environment without notice or planning. It is important to note, these challenges are not new. Early adopters of online learning have been challenged to wrestle with these decisions for nearly two decades. As we wrestle with challenges that have been around for years, “Do we leverage knowledge, resources, and experience from those who have lived in this space for 20+ years, or do those with less experience become overnight experts and try to recreate the wheel?” I believe the answer is both. We have to come together and leverage the lessons learned over the past 20 years, as well as work with others who can provide a fresh perspective.

Three scenarios came to light as districts, schools, and programs addressed the need to learn away from a traditional brick and mortar environment.

Districts, schools, and programs were prepared and could lean on existing systems and structures
Districts, schools, and programs were not prepared and had to improvise and buy time
Districts, schools, and programs had a vision and/or pockets of innovation they could elevate

One thing remains constant, the critical questions found within each of the nine themes within our Reflecting for Continuous Improvement playbook still apply. How we work to build upon these questions and implement strategies and solutions must be on a continuous improvement continuum.

Instructional Practice: Is our check engine light on?

Fast forward 18 months from my original blog post and the check engine light is likely on for varying reasons such as student engagement, technology/device issues, browser updates, special education services, digital content, lack of time, student attendance, professional learning gaps with new online teachers, mental health of students and staff, student safety at home, assessing learners, and the check engine light list of maintenance needs gets longer and longer.

I have yet to talk with educators who articulate everything is perfect and they have no room for continuous improvement. Sure some programs may be in better shape than others and some may have new tires (more teachers teaching online), a new muffler (technology and software), and maybe even a new or veteran mechanic (leadership). However, it doesn’t prevent other maintenance issues from surfacing. New challenges pop up every day and educators are faced with a) putting out daily fires and b) trying to find time to anticipate what issue might surface next along their journey.

In times of uncertainty and chaos it is always best to rely on predictable practices and knowledge. Keep your car (online learning) on the road by using the following resources without recreating the wheel. This will help focus your efforts on areas that are most important to your online learning efforts. Whether you have an engine light that is flashing, constantly on, or currently off, take a look at the key themes and critical questions. Begin to unpack what opportunities you have to grow and develop your online learning.

Resources

A few additional resources that can be very helpful:

Definitions - expectations seem to be all over the place right now. If you have not adopted terms and definitions to help provide clarity, consider doing so.
Quality standards - sure standards during a pandemic are easy to push to the side. However, they provide guardrails to help keep your car on the road when the elements are not predictable. Don’t think you are going to be perfect, but do try to hone in on one or two areas of emphasis to keep your program moving towards quality with purpose.

An ode to the closing I used back in the spring of 2019. We don’t “change the oil” once in the lifetime of a vehicle. It requires continuous monitoring every 5,000 miles or so. Don’t ignore your check engine light and let it become a death sentence to your vehicle. Using some of the key questions available in the “Reflecting for Continuous Improvement” Playbook, take some time to review areas that may be in need of maintenance.

Last, take this work on with purpose. Reflect, focus, decide, create, identify, and establish a SMART goal that you can work towards in the attempt to lead your program through continuous improvement. Enjoy the ride, detours, pitstops, and scenery along the way.