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.
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.
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 Im 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?
