Beyond the Pilot: How to Scale Up Innovation in Schools

Educators and leaders are under constant pressure to manage a wide range of responsibilities, making time an increasingly scarce resource. This pressure often creates a false dichotomy in the implementation of new initiatives: the choice between moving too quickly and risking superficial adoption or moving too slowly and losing momentum. However, the solution isn't about speed but, rather, intentionality. What matters most is a deliberate and phased approach to implementation, which can significantly increase the likelihood of long-term success and positive impacts on student outcomes.

In a survey of 89 educators across 60 K-12 school systems, 58% of leaders prioritized "deliberateness" over rapid implementation, recognizing that the intentional pace at which they work is crucial. Systems in the early stages of implementation were particularly likely to address this challenge, dedicating specific time and resources to strike the right balance between speed and thoughtfulness.

In 2022, The Learning Accelerator (TLA)'s Strategy Lab: Virtual Hybrid (SLVH) supported 19 school teams in developing innovative solutions for virtual and hybrid learning over the span of 18 months. Through a collaborative design-thinking process, teams identified challenges and implemented promising practices. To scale their successes, four teams received additional support. Our analysis of these teams' work highlights the importance of a deliberate, phased approach in achieving long-term and sustainable impact. The strategies outlined below emerged as key drivers of success in scaling these initiatives.

Starting small is essential for manageable and low-risk implementation. By piloting initiatives on a smaller scale, leaders can learn from initial efforts before expanding their reach. This strategic approach enables practitioners to test innovative practices, gather valuable feedback, and refine strategies accordingly. Leaders can take this approach by:

• Starting Small: Choose a single grade level, class, or subject to pilot a new practice, allowing for focused observation and easier troubleshooting.

• Gathering Feedback: During the initial pilot phase, engage teachers, students, and parents through surveys, discussions, focus groups, and classroom observations to understand the impact and identify areas for improvement.

• Refining and Iterating: Use the feedback you’ve collected to adjust the practice before scaling it up to a larger group.

By taking incremental steps, leaders and educators can more easily mitigate risks, gather important data and insights, and refine strategies over time. This iterative process fosters a culture of continuous improvement, empowering leaders to make informed decisions that enhance student outcomes and experiences. Through manageable steps, schools can build a strong foundation for lasting change and success.

To build upon the success of a pilot, schools must focus on expanding and enhancing teacher capacity to extend its reach and impact. By investing in professional development, providing adequate time and resources, and fostering a collaborative environment, schools can effectively implement promising practices on a wider scale. Leaders can work to enhance capacity by:

• Providing Professional Development: Offer training and support through workshops, coaching, and collaboration with experienced colleagues to help teachers implement the new practice effectively.

• Allocating Necessary Time and Resources: Dedicate time for teachers to plan, implement, and reflect on the new practice, and provide additional resources, such as technology or materials, to allow for critical support as needed.

• Spotlighting What’s Working: Highlight the positive outcomes of the pilot and celebrate the efforts of the teachers involved to build buy-in, call attention to those serving as ‘champions’ of the innovation, and encourage wider adoption.

Empowering teachers with the right knowledge, skills, and support needed to implement new strategies is crucial for successful scaling. By providing ongoing professional development, time, and essential resources, schools can create a supportive environment for growth. Sharing best practices and celebrating successes will inspire and motivate leaders to build upon initial pilot achievements, ultimately benefiting a larger number of students.

Building upon a successful pilot program and enhanced teacher capacity, the next critical step is to gradually scale the initiative. To integrate the practice into existing systems and structures, consider the following strategies:

• Phase in the Rollout: Scale the practice to additional grades, classes, or subgroups in stages to allow for adjustments, ensuring teachers have adequate support and can adapt established systems accordingly.

• Develop a Support Network: Create a team or committee within the school to help the new practice take root, provide ongoing support, and address challenges from design to pilot to implementation.

• Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor the impact of the practice on student learning and engagement, making adjustments as needed based on data and feedback.

Through iterative piloting, intentional capacity building, and gradual scaling, schools can successfully launch, refine, and expand promising initiatives and innovations. This thoughtful process ensures that new practices are deeply rooted in schools’ unique contexts, allowing practitioners to weather challenges and consistently meet the evolving needs of students.