Completing the fourth session of its inaugural year, the Drake Continual Improvement Network has welcomed and engaged 193 educational leaders from across the state of Iowa in learning about the science and practice of continual improvement. Guest speakers have included Dr. Patrica Greco, Superintendent of Menomonee Falls, WI; David Langford of Langford International; Jim Shipley of Jim Shipley and Associates; and Lara Justmann, principal of Karen Acres Elementary and 2017 recipient of the Drake School of Education Distinguished Alum Award. Topics of learning/discussion have included the Plan Do Study Act process, SWOT analysis, Theory of Constraints, and multiple quality improvement tools and processes.
Supported by the Educational Leadership Department in the School of Education, the Network will continue to be hosted at Drake University next year. The initiative will expand to include a “hub” in eastern Iowa, hosted by Iowa BIG Academy in Cedar Rapids. Additionally, 10 school principals will participate in a principal coaching program facilitated by Dr. Jim Verlengia, Leadership Director at Heartland AEA and Dr. Doug Stilwell, Assistant Professor Drake University.
If interested in learning more about or participating in next year’s Network, please contact Doug Stilwell at: doug.stilwell@drake.edu