PRESENTING SUPERB RESEARCH THAT ADVANCES THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

Improvement Science in Education: A Primer, second edition, is the first and introductory volume in the Myers Education Press series, Improvement Science in Education and Beyond. It provides a comprehensive overview of improvement science as a framework to guide continuous improvement and reconceptualizes improvement by centering equity and justice as the purpose of improvement.

The Primer is designed to introduce improvement science, a methodology with origins in manufacturing, engineering and healthcare, to educational audiences. The book first explores the philosophical and methodological foundations of improvement science, juxtaposing it with traditional forms of research so that clear distinctions can be drawn. Chapters in the latter half of the book introduce the principles of improvement, give guidance and tools for operationalizing the principles in practice, and conclude with questions to ensure you are improving with equity in mind. Constantly reminding readers to think about who is involved and impacted, the Primer makes improvement science accessible to novices and adds critical dimensions for experienced practitioners to consider.

In the second edition of this best-selling book, Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, a nationally recognized authority in the methodology, has added valuable new content that updates the literature and enhances the focus of the volume by asking to even more who questions: who benefits, who bears the burden, whose priorities and values are reflected, and who is heard when decisions are made. Improvement for equity requires more than profound knowledge and subject matter knowledge—it requires criticality.

Improvement science is rapidly becoming the signature methodology for accomplishing continuous improvement in universities, public school districts, and professional development programs. Its goal is to create better learning environments.

Perfect for courses such as: Educational Research; School Improvement; and Program Evaluation

“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

Acknowledgments

Preface to the Second Edition

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? What Am I Trying to Accomplish?

Chapter 3. Collaborating to Define Problems: Definitions with Inclusive Visions

Chapter 4. Discerning Variation: Fluctuation in Processes and Outcomes

SECTION THREE
What Change Might I Introduce and Why? How Will I Know the Change Is an Improvement?

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 Improvement With Networks

Chapter 10. Improving for and With Equity When Equity Is Not Prioritized

Chapter 11. Improvement Science in Education

Epilogue. Why Does a Black Girl Still Endorse Improvement Science?

Appendix. Glossary

Index

Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford

Dr. Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Clemson University. She holds bachelors degrees in English and Communication from North Carolina State University, a masters in Urban Education Policy from Brown University, and a PhD in Educational Studies from Emory University. Brandi has studied and worked in K-12 and higher education policy for the last 10 years, doing research, evaluation, and policy analysis with entities as varied as the University System of Georgia and Syracuse City School District. Her research agenda employs justice framework where she intentionally seeks to expose policies and practices related to exploitation, domination, and marginalization; her broad interest include multicultural education, teacher activism, African American activism, improvement science, and education policy.

Improvement Science; Continuous Improvement; Educational Improvement; Educational Equity; Root Cause Analysis; Plan-Do-Study-Act

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PRESENTING SUPERB RESEARCH THAT ADVANCES THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

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Improvement Science in Education Edition 2

A Primer

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Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford

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