The Wallace Foundation’s Approach to Scale

Will MillerPresident, The Wallace Foundation

Professional Learning CommunityExpanded Learning Opportunities

November 20, 2013

Our discussion today

The Wallace Approach

How innovation spreads

Theory in action

Reflections on scale

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Our discussion today

The Wallace ApproachSupport work of granteesAdd value by advancing knowledge

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The Wallace Approach(Our theory of change)

Understand the Context

(Engage with the external environment to identify knowledge gaps, field interest,

and time lines)

Catalyze Broad Impact

(Improve practice and policy nationwide)

Generate Improvements and Insights

(Build promising new approaches and new evidence/knowledge)

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Our discussion todayThe Wallace Approach

How innovations spread

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What is diffusion?The ‘bible’ of diffusion – Diffusion

of Innovations, by Everett Rogers

Diffusion is “the process in which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system.”

What drives diffusion?Extent and nature of the communications

efforts

Organizational policies and incentives

System-level policies and incentives

Characteristics of the innovation itself

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Characteristics of a successful innovation

Relative advantage over current practice – is it better?

Compatibility with current practice and values – does it fit what I do?

Simplicity – can I master it?

Testability – can I try it out in part before I commit?

Observability – can I see it in action?

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The diffusion curveCumulative number of adopters

Rate of adoption

Time

Putting diffusion theory to useMeet people where they are

Focus on connections between groups

Not every innovation makes it up the curve

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• Raise awareness• Inform policy makers,

thought leaders• Inform practitioners

and other funders• Benchmark current

practices• Publicize existence

proofs• Support field building• Develop tools and

actionable products to speed adoption

Our diffusion activities

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• Synthesize what’s known into Perspectives

• Briefing and convenings

• Website and social media

• Communication partnerships and media relations

• Advertising• Film and video• Remove barriers• Facilitate or incentivize

adoption

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Our discussion todayThe Wallace Approach

How innovation spreads

Theory in action

Wallace’s education leadership initiative

Understand the Context

(Knowledge gap: How to prepare and support

leaders in ways that strengthen school

improvement efforts)

Catalyze Broad Impact

(More than 70 reports, 140 initiatives, 15 new

nonprofits)

Generate Improvements and Insights

(Worked with 26 states and 15 districts; commissioned

research; convened PLCs)

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Characteristics of a successful innovation

Relative advantage over current practice – is it better?

Compatibility with current practice and values – does it fit what I do?

Simplicity – can I master it?

Testability – can I try it out in part before I commit?

Observability – can I see it in action?

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We say more only as we learn more

Promote specific solutions combining outcomes and cost

Define the problem, share emerging solutions and operational lessons

Build awareness of the problem and need for solutions

Less knowledge More knowledge

Degree of knowledge about what works

2000: Policymakers should focus on

improving school leadership

2003: Policymakers should shift from

increasing supply of certified principals to

improving quality

2007: Policymakers should support evidence-based principal training programs using tools to

assess them

We all practice diffusionPASA’s City Symposium provides cities with

framework to start their own intermediary or afterschool system

Say Yes and others help ensure expanded learning and community schools are part of New York State’s education reform agenda

TASC and NYC pilot a new initiative to meet the need of middle school students struggling with reading

Horizons and Higher Achievement adapt their models to allow for more widespread impact

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Our discussion todayThe Wallace Approach

How innovation spreads

Theory in action

Reflections on scale

Reflections on scaleScaling isn’t easy

Change is a cycle

Evidence is crucial, but it’s not the end of the story

Innovators are in it together

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together

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We know it can be done…