This document discusses driver diagrams as a tool for communicating a theory of practice improvement. It begins by explaining that a driver diagram shows the working theory of the most highly leveraged changes needed to achieve desired outcomes. It then contrasts two typical approaches - incoherent activity and setting goals without methods - to improvement. The bulk of the document provides guidance on developing effective driver diagrams. It explains that driver diagrams have an aim, primary drivers that directly influence the aim, and secondary drivers that influence the primary drivers. Examples are given and tips provided for crafting the different elements of the diagram. The document concludes by discussing how and when driver diagrams should be developed and refined, emphasizing testing and iteration.

1. A Theory of Practice Improvement:
Driver Diagrams
PC1: Improvement Science Basics
Alicia Grunow

2. Our Road Map for Learning
Seeing the
System
Understanding
the Problem
Developing a
Theory of Practice
Improvement
Establishing
an Aim
Effect
Cause Cause
Cause Cause

3. 3
Understanding
the Problem
Organizing
Action

4. What is a Theory of Practice Improvement?
A working theory of most highly leveraged changes that
are needed to achieve the desired outcomes
A Driver Diagram is an improvement tool used to
communicate a theory of practice improvement

5. Typical Approach 1: Incoherent Activity
Foundation
“X” Strategic
Priorities
Foundation
“Y” Strategic
Priorities
Local Institutional
Considerations
A
new
priority
comes
into
view

6. 6
Improvement Aspirations
Current
Performance?Goal
GOAL

7. Goal
Typical Approach: Not getting down to action
7
“A
goal
without
a
method
is
nonsense.
By
what
method?”
–
Deming
Educa<on
reform
is
“miracle
goals
without
methods.”
Deming
1991
GOAL

8. 8
Theory of Practice Improvement
Current
Performance
Theory of
Practice
Improvement
“Probably wrong
and definitely
incomplete”
Goal
GOAL

9. Driver Diagram Basics
AIM
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Drivers:
3-­‐5
main
areas
of
influence
that
drive
towards
the
aim
-Outcomes
-Gap you are trying
to close

10. Secondary
Drivers
Secondary
Drivers:
The
necessary
components
to
move
a
primary
driver
AIM
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Driver Diagram Basics

11. • Change
• Change
• Change
Change: Specific ideas to
be attempted.
Hint: Tend to be processes,
cultural norms, structures
or roles
Secondary
Drivers
AIM
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Primary
Driver
Driver Diagram Basics

12. Tips for Crafting Drivers
PRIMARY DRIVERS
! Necessary and sufficient to moving outcome measures
! No more than 3-5 (highest leverage—Pareto Principle)
! Based on evidence
! Similar grain size
! Organize the work in a helpful way
SECONDARY DRIVERS
! Necessary and sufficient to move the primary drivers
! Only use when they are necessary to plan specific changes or
interventions
12

13. Small Group Discussion
! STEM for an Aim Statements: Regular opportunities
for teachers (and leaders) to share and collaboration
order to__________________ (perhaps by when)
! Brainstorm possible primary drivers for this problem?
! If you have time try to articulate some secondary
drivers too (say for one primary driver)
! Any change ideas?
13

14. BTEN Driver
Diagram
Primary
Drivers
Secondary
Drivers
Changes
School-based
professional
community
Feedback
that supports
improvement
Relationship
btwn principals
and NTs
Hiring and
placement
system
Professional
development
for NTs
14
Feedback
that supports
improvement
Increase new
teacher
efficacy and
retention
-­‐Timeliness
of
the
decisions
-­‐Right
info
about
candidates
-­‐Right
info
on
schools
-­‐Targeted
recruitment
Teaching
task
as
part
of
an
interview
Goal

15. Developing your Driver Diagram
15
METHODS:
! 90-day R&D cycle
! Expert Convening
! Get started and iterate as you
improve
– Analytics & testing
IDENTIFYING DRIVERS:
! Deep understanding of the
problem
! Research
! Successful organizations/
practitioners that have solved the
problem
! Analogical thinking: Places where
similar problems have been
solved
! Work in the network

16. Building a Driver Diagram for BTEN
16
IdenEfy
New
Teacher
RetenEon
as
a
problem
Map
broad
understanding
of
the
system
Chose
a
parEcular
angle
Build
out
individual
drivers
Year before
launch
Before
invite
participants
Before
launch
Leadership System analysis
-Research
-New Teachers
-District & school Leaders
-Unions
Leadership Expert Convening
Testing
90-day cycle
Develop
specific
changes
Revise based on learning
Work in the
network

17. Why (and when) a Driver Diagram?
! Creates a common language
! Focuses improvement efforts on the most
important parts of the system
! Shows how changes are related to the aim &
how different projects fit into a larger portfolio
of work
! Explicates the theory of practice improvement
so it can be tested
17