Use the tools as facilitated conversation starters that produce artifacts, not as a checklist exercise¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide prescribes how teams should work with its tools: "Completion of the tools should not be a goal in and of itself; use of this guide is not a checklist exercise. Instead, we encourage using the tools as conversation starters." Working through the prompts creates artifacts that document discussions and lead to further discussion. General facilitation recommendations include engaging a skilled facilitator who can help participants examine assumptions, resolve differing viewpoints, and allow all team members to participate, plus setting norms, timelines, and manageable priorities.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A cross-agency or cross-district team with diverse perspectives, since having a team increases the diversity of ideas and thus the value of the tool

Constraints¶

• If LEAs will use some tools, the SEA process may need to be completed first, e.g., modifying tool 2 to reflect the state's framework

Target Learners¶

• SEA cross-agency teams
• LEA district teams

Target Learning Goals¶

• Aligning agencywide approaches to evidence-based intervention selection

Related Strategies¶

• Assess team readiness across leadership, facilitation, communication, shared understanding, and capacity before starting
• Using a Culturally Responsive Curriculum Scorecard
• Home Literacy Environment Checklist
• Five getting-started steps for building an integrated, school-based system of care

Examples¶

• Six-Tool Starter Set for State and District Evidence-Based Improvement: the six-tool starter set this advice is about

Key Sources¶

• Hale, S., Dunn, L., Filby, N., Rice, J., & Van Houten, L. (2017). Evidence-based improvement: A guide for states to strengthen their frameworks and supports aligned to the evidence requirements of ESSA. San Francisco: WestEd. http://www.wested.org/resources/evidence-based-improvement-essa-guide-for-states