How Districts Scale Instructional Improvement That Lasts
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| Title: | How Districts Scale Instructional Improvement That Lasts |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | H. Alix Gallagher, Leah Faw, Benjamin W. Cottingham, Stanford University, Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) |
| Source: | Policy Analysis for California Education, PACE. 2026. |
| Availability: | Policy Analysis for California Education, PACE. 520 Galvez Mall, CERAS Room 401, Stanford, CA 94305-3001. Tel: 650-724-2832; Fax: 510-642-9148; e-mail: info@edpolicyinca.org; Web site: http://www.edpolicyinca.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: | School Districts, Instructional Improvement, Sustainability, Instructional Leadership, Capacity Building, Systems Approach, Networks, Program Implementation, Barriers, Faculty Workload |
| Geographic Terms: | California |
| Abstract: | This practice brief explores why many districts struggle to scale lasting, instructional improvement and highlights the importance of district systems--structures and processes--in successfully scaling improvement initiatives. Drawing on data from districts' work with California Education Partners, the authors contrast effective district system engagement with common pitfalls such as delegating leadership to school principals, relying on teachers' informal networks to spread improvements, and maintaining too many priorities to focus effectively on scaling up. District leaders play a pivotal role in engaging system components to support teachers and schools in districtwide improvement because only these leaders have the authority to repurpose existing system resources, create new structures as needed to fill gaps, and monitor systemwide progress to identify and adapt to challenges. The purpose of this brief is to lift up the role of district systems--structures and processes--in enabling successful scaling of instructional improvement across the entire district. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED680427 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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