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Title
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Networked Improvement Communities: The Discipline of Improvement Science Meets the Power of Networks
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Abstract/Description
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this paper is to delineate an approach to quality assurance in education called networked improvement communities (NICs) that focused on integrating the methodologies of improvement science with few of the networks. Quality improvement, the science and practice of continuously improving programs, practices, processes, products and services within organized social systems, is a still-evolving area in education. This paper is the first of seven elaborating upon different approaches to quality improvement in education[1]. It delineates a new methodology called the NICs model. Developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the approach is aimed at continuously improving the quality of practices, processes and outcomes in targeted problem areas in education systems.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
The paper presents the historical development, theoretical foundations, core principles and adaptation of key elements of the NICs model for quality improvement in education. A case study specifically examines the problem of fostering new teacher effectiveness and retention in large public school systems in the USA.
FINDINGS
The six principles underlying the NICs model are as follows: make the work problem-specific and user-centered, focus on variation in performance, see the system that produces outcomes, improve at scale what you can measure, use disciplined inquiry to drive improvement and accelerate learning through networked communities.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE
Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available that examine the application of common models of quality improvement in education. This paper elaborates on one promising approach. In addition to examining the NICs model, the paper derives added value by allowing comparisons with seven widely used quality improvement approaches treated in this volume.
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Date
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2017
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In publication
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Quality Assurance in Education
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Volume
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25
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Issue
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1
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Pages
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5-25
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IRE Approach/Concept
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Networked Improvement Community (NIC)
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Improvement Science
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Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) Cycle
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Open access/full-text available
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en
No
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Peer reviewed
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en
Yes
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ISSN
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0968-4883
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Citation
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LeMahieu, P. G., Grunow, A., Baker, L., Nordstrum, L. E., & Gomez, L. M. (2017). Networked Improvement Communities: The Discipline of Improvement Science Meets the Power of Networks. Quality Assurance in Education, 25(1), 5–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-12-2016-0084
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Quality Assurance in Education: Working to Improve: Seven Approaches to Quality Improvement in Education [Special Issue]
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