A Dynamic Cycle for Continuous Improvement
The stages in the Dynamic Cycle sustain a commitment to ‘excellence now’ in learning and work, and students and educators can use them to address problems in learning, work and life. Through applying the Indigo Schools Self-assessment process, evidence of a school’s strengths and weaknesses and identification of the priorities for improvement initiates a dynamic cycle of continuous improvement. This process is integral to how people in modern contexts manage themselves, along with the teams they are accountable to within modern organisations.
Step 1: Analyse – clarify the question that will be answered.
Five questions ask:
1. why the problem is a problem at all,
2. what can be done to solve the problem,
3. how we can get to where we can overcome it,
4. how progress to a solution and the outcomes achieved will be measured,
5. who will be accountable within the work performed and outcomes achieved.
Step 2: Develop or design a solution to the problem
It is important to investigate what has been done to solve similar problems in the past and what current best practice is in developing or sourcing a solution. The focus then turns to designing a plan that is expected to be the best in the circumstances and situation.
Step 3: The Plan
The plan that will be used as the guide in implementing the solution is reviewed for how appropriate it is in the circumstances. When problems are complex and several people are involved, the planning process often requires addressing issues such as feasibility, affordability, replicability and sustainability.
Step 4: Execution
The implementation process is closely monitored to make sure that progress is taking place on time and meeting the required targets. The success of the design, plan and implementation in solving the problem usually leads immediately to addressing the next important problem to be solved and starting the new Dynamic Cycle that inevitably follows.
Summary
The Dynamic Cycle is a key element within the Indigo Schools Framework, delivering a preferred future through continuous improvement and transformation. Information about how the Dynamic Cycle is applied within the Indigo Schools Framework can be found in the Primer on our Resources Page, and please email info@indigoschools.net if you’d like to learn how the Dynamic Cycle can go to work within your school.