By Steve Nakasato
During a breakout session at the 2020 Hawaii Schools of the Future conference, I initiated conversations about Improving Results with Different Measures (the 36-minute presentation is linked below). I asserted that schools must continue to strive for state accountability measures, but I also asked leaders to simultaneously track emerging improvements founded on Adaptive Outcomes. Adaptive Outcomes are dissimilar to Technical Outcomes such as standardized assessments and accountability measures like chronic absenteeism. Instead, Adaptive Outcomes are qualitatively tracked as emerging improvements continuously change as each iterative idea is applied. By focusing on both Technical and Adaptive Outcomes, the Leadership Team was able to invent innovative ideas for overwhelming difficulties that once anaesthetized professional conversations — such as how can teachers engage the most vulnerable students?
Navigating Technical and Adaptive Outcomes
| Technical Outcomes Measure and codify data-Increase test scores-Systematized operating systems-Enforce conformity, consistency, fidelity-Add funding, resources, and programs-Generalize knowledge and skills -Adhere to prescribed processes | Adaptive Outcomes Improving practices, protocols, and products-Nurturing relationships and contexts-Facilitating learning systems-Soliciting creativity, originality, and innovation-Striving for continuous learning -Building empathy, collaboration, and change-Employing iterative process and new ideas |
The journey was exhausting however over time, the leadership team learned to relentlessly apply adaptive approaches grounded on Adaptive Outcomes. In turn they learned that change ideas are not predetermined but unforeseen; surprisingly inspiring; and, generated from social, cultural, and community contexts. There is no question that improving school results is complex and daunting for even the most experienced school team, and striving for better results require staunch leadership, steadfast direction, and an improvement mindset measured by Technical and Adaptive Outcomes.
Watch the video | Improving Results with Different Measures