Education Service Agreements

Continuous Improvement Cycle

This eLeadership Guide will use the Alberta Government Continuous Improvement Cycle (Alberta Education, 2022b; see Figure 1) to examine this topic from a system perspective. The Continuous Improvement Cycle includes the key components of explore, develop, take action, and evaluate.

Figure 1

Continuous Improvement Cycle

Note. From Funding Manual for School Authorities, 2022/23 School Year, by Alberta Education, 2022, p. 23 (https://open.alberta.ca/publications/1485-5542). Copyright 2022 by Alberta Education.

The key components are described in the Funding Manual for School Authorities, 2022/23 School Year (Alberta Education, 2022b) as below and related topics for this eLeadership Guide are highlighted within each section.

Explore

Involves accessing, analyzing and interpreting accurate and relevant data, and identifying and understanding an issue, concern or problem. Key question: What is going on here?

• Beginning With Treaty
• Reawakening the Spirit of the Collaborative Frameworks/Image
• Keeping Young People/Community Forefront
  • Recognizing and Learning the Uniqueness of Each Community
• Understanding ESA Standards

Develop

Involves Identification of a problem or challenge that can be addressed; identification of potentially successful strategies to address learner-centered problem/challenge; and developing an action plan. Key question: What needs to be improved? How?

• Building Understanding/Relationships Before Discussions/Negotiations
  • Building Respectful Relationships Over Time
  • Seeing the Impact/Strength of the Relationship
• Learning How to Approach Discussions/Unpacking Assumptions & Bias

Take action

Involves learning as you implement the plan and making adjustments through formative feedback. Key question: How are we “actioning” the plan?

• Building and Sustaining Respectful Relationships Through Discussions/Negotiations
  • Building and Sustaining Respectful Relationships
  • Building Mutual Respect/Understanding
  • Establishing Collective Vision/Building Mutual Understanding
  • Determining Learning Opportunities
• Anticipating Disagreements/Disputes

Evaluate

Involves evaluating the impact of the plan. Key question: Did our planned strategies have the desired outcomes? What next?

• Accepting Accountability for Student Learning
• Acknowledging Systemic Barriers/Racism
  • Empowering Young People to Speak Up

(Alberta Education, 2022b, p. 2)