
Protocols are liberating structures that support equitable dialogue and collaborative work. In improvement science, there are lots of tools people can use. The tools are not enough. For this work to be transformative, we need structures that help us construct thinking and next steps together. The protocols below are designed to help teams understand the problem they want to address, build on bright spots in their system, and take action for improvement. Please use, adapt, and share!
Protocol Library
- All
- Build on bright spots
- Take action
- Understand the problem

Connect with a colleague while discovering bright spots in your system to build on

Better understand the process leading to a particular outcome

Learn about the problem from a user’s perspective

Capture learning from a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle in a simplified format

To help a group engage in productive dialogue about data

Unpack the root causes contributing to a problem

Generate a shared “theory of action”

A convergent tool for dialogue that helps us determine which root causes are most important to address.

Surface high leverage practices within your system

Bring people with diverse perspectives together to inform your understanding of the problem and take action.

Engage in a collaborative analysis of student work
