Learning from Other Educators Through Improvement Science: Oklahoma Excel Networked Improvement Communities

Produced by REL Southwest, this video highlights the experiences of teachers participating in Oklahoma Excel, a data-driven and job-embedded professional development program administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). In Oklahoma Excel, teams of teachers participate in Plan-Study-Do-Act cycles to identify, test, analyze, and refine education practices.

Oklahoma Excel uses the networked improvement community model, or NICs. By participating in NICs, teachers can iteratively test and refine practices to support their students. NICs allow teachers to get rapid feedback and adjust their classroom practices quickly. REL Southwest partnered with OSDE to support continuous program improvement for Oklahoma Excel by assessing needs and providing critical program supports focused on improving student outcomes.