De-implementation: Creating the Space to Focus on What Works

When it comes to school initiatives, more isn’t always better. 

Today’s educators are buried under old practices, new ideas, and recommended initiatives. Before you’re tempted to add just one more idea to the pile, take a step back—and an objective look—so that you and your teachers can decide which practices to keep, which to modify, and which to eliminate altogether. This guide provides:

• A research- and evidence-based framework for determining efficacy
• Practical steps for removing, reducing, or replacing ineffective practices
• Action steps, examples, and tips for beginning the work
• Templates for charting your school’s individual path to de-implementation

When it comes to school initiatives, more isn’t always better.

Today’s educators are buried under old practices, new ideas, and recommended initiatives. The problem? With such an abundance of strategies, it’s hard to recognize what, if anything, is working.

Before you’re tempted to add just one more idea to the pile, take a step back—and an objective look—so that you, central office leaders, building leaders, and teachers can decide which practices to keep, which to modify, and which to eliminate altogether. This guide provides

• A research- and evidence-based framework for determining efficacy
• Practical steps for removing, reducing, or replacing ineffective practices
• Action steps, examples, and tips for beginning the work—and getting teacher buy-in
• Templates for charting your school’s individual path to de-implementation

Ineffective practices don’t just waste teacher time; they can have a catastrophic impact on student progress. Use de-implementation to shine a light on the path forward—one where teachers can focus on what works, and students can focus on learning.