Comprehensive Improvement Plan – Final Project Component 1: Problem Identification and Aim Statement

Throughout this accelerated 9-week summer course, you will develop a Comprehensive Improvement Plan that applies improvement science methodologies to an educational challenge. This project recognizes the fast-paced nature of summer courses and is designed to be completed entirely using the provided hypothetical datasets, with no expectation of real-world implementation during the term.

The project follows a scaffolded approach, allowing you to apply each improvement science tool as you learn it. Each component is intentionally focused to accommodate the condensed timeframe while still building a meaningful portfolio piece demonstrating your understanding of improvement science principles.

Project Selection

By the end of Week 1, select one of the following improvement focus areas to address throughout your project:

K-12 DatasetLinks to an external site. Options:

1. Improving student attendance rates
2. Closing achievement gaps in reading or mathematics
3. Enhancing intervention effectiveness
4. Strengthening family engagement

Higher Education DatasetLinks to an external site. Options:

1. Improving student retention rates
2. Reducing DFW (D, F, Withdrawal) rates in gateway courses
3. Closing equity gaps in academic achievement
4. Enhancing student support service utilization

Detailed Component Requirements

Component 1: Problem Identification and Aim Statement (Due Week 1)

Purpose: Establish a clear focus for your improvement project and develop a specific, measurable aim statement.

Required Elements:

1. Problem Statement (1-2 pages)
• Clear description of the educational problem you’ve selected
• Evidence of the problem’s significance from the dataset
• Impact on students and the educational system
• Brief discussion of potential contributing factors
2. Aim Statement (1 paragraph)
• Specific goal for improvement
• Measurable target
• Applicable population/context
• Relevant timeframe
• Follows SMART criteria
3. Hypothetical Team Composition (1 paragraph)
• Key roles needed (not specific individuals)
• Brief description of why these roles would be essential

Tools Required:

• Basic descriptive statistics from Data Analysis ToolPak

Dataset Application:

• Use basic statistics from your chosen dataset area to support problem identification
• Include at least one simple data visualization

Submission Format:

• 2-3 page document (double-spaced, 12pt font, APA format)
• Include 1-2 references to establish context

Resources:

• Institute for Healthcare Improvement resources: Links to an external site.www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/default.aspxLinks to an external site.
• Clinical Excellence Commission resources: www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/CEC-Academy/quality-improvement-toolsLinks to an external site.

Component 1: Problem Identification and Aim Statement (100 points)

• Problem Statement (40 points)
  • Clear description of selected educational problem (10)
  • Evidence of problem significance from dataset (10)
  • Impact analysis on students and educational system (10)
  • Discussion of potential contributing factors (10)
• Aim Statement (40 points)
  • Specific improvement goal (8)
  • Measurable target (8)
  • Clearly defined population/context (8)
  • Appropriate timeframe (8)
  • Adherence to SMART criteria (8)
• Hypothetical Team Composition (15 points)
  • Key roles identified (8)
  • Justification for role selection (7)
• Formatting and References (5 points)
• APA formatting (2)
• Appropriate references (3)