June Focus:
 Sustaining Change

Now that your team has made it through the year and implemented a program or practice, the challenge becomes sustaining it. Effective programs and practices must be consistently delivered with fidelity even after initial implementation support ends. This requires building the capacity to maintain core elements over time. Implementation support practitioners advance sustainability by helping communities develop a shared vision and mutual accountability, promoting relationships, problem-solving, and resource sharing.

In Michigan, our MICIP work also addresses the continuous changes in program usage, practice settings, and broader systems. By infusing these strategies, evidence-based practices become an integral component of school culture, ensuring that positive outcomes are sustained in the long term.

Implementation and Continuous Improvement

Conducting Improvement Cycles is undoubtedly a part of Michigan’s context, and by focusing on these four questions, we can zero in on this notion of sustaining change.

1. What data are we collecting, and how does it inform our understanding of the implementation process and outcomes?

2. Is everyone able to access and use the data effectively to make informed decisions?

3. How are we addressing the differential impact of interventions on various focus populations and communities?

4. What processes and structures have we established for routine reflection and shared learning?

Grow and Sustain Relationships
If you are leading or a member of a team that is implementing something, then you know the importance of modeling the behaviors and norms you expect of your fellow team members. Sustaining change is as much about the work, as it is the manner in which we go about the work. 

Reflect on the last time you…

• Modeled transparent action and accountability in your work

• Engaged in self-assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses in building relationships

• Encouraged and utilized feedback to strengthen your relationships with all

• Demonstrated the value of your implementation efforts 

• Approached your work with humility, recognizing the expertise of others 

• Demonstrated kindness, vulnerability, and empathy in your interactions with your team

Consider choosing one to work on as you commit to sustaining the change you worked so hard to celebrate toward the end of this year! Happy June!

Systems Spotlight

The following practice can support leaders as they consider how to apply and integrate improvement cycles throughout their organization.

Instructional System Practice #13
The district uses improvement cycles to monitor short-term routines in order to achieve long-term goals.

Professional Learning

Leading Implementation Together! Cohort 2

August 13, 2024 and October 16, 2024  

Hilton Garden Inn, Lansing, MI

Learn more and Register Today!

ISD/ESA Partners