Wardlaw Summit 2023 by Spartanburg Academic Movement

Wednesday, October 18 Marriott Spartanburg 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 2023 Wardlaw Institute for Continuous Improvement Summit honors the foresight of John T. Wardlaw and drives forward his dream that data can support continuous improvement in economic mobility anchored in academic achievement by inviting both educators and community-based partners to collaborate and learn together. Educators will have an opportunity to further develop their CI skills and knowledge and community-based partners will learn together about leaning into this work.

Wardlaw Acknowledgement

John T. Wardlaw, long affiliated with Milliken and Company and later a successful entrepreneur, was a passionate advocate for improving academic achievement across Spartanburg County, South Carolina and applied his professional expertise in data tracking to the academic achievement of K-12, school by school. In 1987, Mr. Wardlaw expanded his analysis to multiple indicators of community well-being: from cultural vitality to public health; the economy to education. His “Critical Indicators Project” became the “Spartanburg Community Indicators Project” and now a dedicated non-profit organization, Strategic Spartanburg, driving data-centered collective impact efforts countywide.

WELCOME CRAIG HAYDAMACK SAM Board Chair

DR. RUSSELL W. BOOKER SAM CEO

Welcome to the 2023 Wardlaw Institute for Continuous Improvement Summit. In its third year, this is our largest convening ever with expanded session opportunities for educators, community members, nonprofit organizations, public sector partners, the faith community and others interested in advancing economic mobility for all citizens. We are excited by these opportunities to learn together as we work toward our shared vision – a community where every child has every opportunity to succeed in school and in life. We know we cannot do this work alone, and we welcome our partners in this work. These leaders representing systems like education and housing, industry, philanthropy, government and other national networks will have an opportunity to learn directly from people who are charting a course for economic mobility. We are equally excited to meet, reconnect, and build new relationships, as well as strengthen existing relationships. These relationships enable us to continue to learn and improve in pursuit of our collective impact goals. Again, welcome to this year’s Summit! In partnership,

Conference Agenda

Opening Plenary Heritage Ballroom 8:35 a.m.- 9:05 a.m. Keynote Address: Richard Reeves Anchoring Economic Mobility: The Power of Social Capital Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute of Boys and Men & Nonresident Senior Fellow of Brookings Institute Despite our community’s resilience and determination, the stark reality is that Spartanburg ranks in the bottom 10 percent nationwide for upward mobility. Understanding and addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that transcends individual efforts and demands systemic change across various sectors. One critical, yet often underestimated, factor influencing upward mobility is the strength of our connections – our social capital. These connections, whether within our schools, churches, neighborhoods, or broader networks, can profoundly impact our ability to climb the economic ladder. This realization underscores the notion that each one of us can contribute to the solution by nurturing and expanding our social bonds. During our opening plenary, Richard Reeves, a renowned expert in the field of social mobility, will share valuable insights drawn from the latest research on social capital and its intricate relationship with upward mobility. Following Richard Reeves’s presentation, we will transition into a discussion around a key finding from the research, one that has steered Mr. Reeves towards a new and intriguing area of focus. Together, we will explore its implications for Spartanburg County and brainstorm actionable strategies to leverage our social capital for the benefit of all our residents.

A Conversation with Richard Reeves 9:05 a.m. - 9:35 a.m Moderator: Meghan Smith, SAM Director of College and Career Readiness

Continuous Improvement Breakout Daniel Morgan Room 9:40 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Students Plus Data = Secret Sauce

Terri Isles, Senior Consultant, Shipley and Associates

Building classroom learning systems is key to true and lasting school improvement. Using data and involving students is critical to the process. High performing classroom learning systems involve students in setting direction, engaging students in goal setting, and guiding them through the PDSA learning process using data. Come learn the steps needed to establish a learning system. The students truly are the SECRET SAUCE!

Learning Outcomes: • A reason for using a systems approach to continuous improvement use of data in your classroom learning system. • A clear picture of how continuous improvement principles and practices connect to many of the things educators are expected to do each day/week/year. • A plan for using a data/systems approach to improve learning results in classrooms.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Wadsworth Room 9:40 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. So Little Time, So Much To Do – The Power of Continuous Improvement Workshops

Dr. Eric Hayler, SAM Continuous Improvement Consultant

Continuous Improvement (CI) is a set of powerful tools and methods for problem-solving. Continuous improvement practitioners start by learning about Pareto charts, fishbone diagrams, affinity diagrams, and similar tools. How can we take these tools and use them to get impactful results? One method is the CI workshop. Continuous improvement workshops bring teams together to solve problems and create more efficient processes. This session will explore examples and best practices for using continuous improvement tools.

Community Panel Discussion Azalea Ballroom 9:40 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Breaking Down Silos: Making Data Work for Everyone

Kate Tromble, Data Quality Campaign, Vice President, Federal Policy

Nichole Dunn, Results for America, Vice President for Federal Policy

Midas Hampton, Strategic Spartanburg Founding Executive Director

Moderator: Emilee O’Brien, SAM Director of Advocacy Our data systems have long operated in silos, each agency or organization retaining control over the information they collect, its granularity, and who can access it. Yet, people’s lives do not conform to these silos. Their journeys intersect with various agencies and organizations, necessitating a more integrated approach to data systems that reflects the complexity of these pathways. Join us in this enlightening session, where Results for America and the Data Quality Campaign will delve into the critical need for data integration. We will explore how communities can reimagine their data systems to better align with individual pathways—without compromising privacy or security by using any identifying information. Discover how this approach can lead to more comprehensive insights and solutions that are essential for both personal and systemic improvements. By connecting the dots and fostering data collaboration, we can unlock the potential for greater upward mobility for all members of our communities. Learn how breaking down data silos can be the key to achieving more equitable and impactful outcomes. Join us as we chart Grace’s course toward a more interconnected and data-driven future.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Croft Room 10:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Using Improvement Science to Increase Educational Opportunities Across the Upstate

In this session, faculty and students/graduates in the Doctor of Education (EdD) Program in Education Systems Improvement Science at Clemson University will share their efforts to use improvement science to increase educational opportunities for K-12 students across the Upstate and beyond. EdD students/graduates will share their research, discussing how they used improvement science to address educational problems of practice in K-12 settings.

Clemson University EdD Program in Education Systems Improvement Science Dr. Edwin Nii Bonney, Clemson University Assistant Professor in the EdD in Education Systems Improvement Science Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, Clemson University Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Lavonia Johnson-Davis, Recent graduate of Clemson University EdD Program in Educational Systems Improvement Science Alex Kameen, Clemson University EdD Program in Educational Systems Improvement Science Dr. Noelle Plaufler, Clemson University Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for EdD in Education Systems Improvement Science

Take Our Wardlaw Summit Survey Thank you so much for participating in our inaugural Wardlaw Conference! We welcome your feedback so that we can improve for future events! Responses are anonymous and you will not be contacted regarding any feedback.

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Continuous Improvement Breakout Wadsworth Room 10:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Continuous Improvement in Education – Early Stages of a Project

Dr. Glen Carson, SAM Data Support Specialist

The session addresses the initial stages in a CI project-crafting AIM statements and developing change activities (interventions). The time will be spent in a series of mostly small group activities with short video clips from a CI in Education course developed at the University of Michigan.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Daniel Morgan Room 10:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Schools and Community-Based Organizations: Building Strong Partnerships

Jeremy Ly, Urban Alliance, National Director – Program Quality

Schools and nonprofits partner all the time to enhance opportunities to their students. But, we have all been there, when the partnership does not live up to what the partners expected. In this workshop, come learn about how to know when to partner, setting up a strong partnership, and how to ensure the partnership thrives for the most important constituent: your students.

Community Panel Discussion Azalea Ballroom 10:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. A Third Way: How the Faith Community Can Support Children and Families along the Cradle to Career Continuum

Dr. Irvin Scott, Harvard University Graduate School of Education Senior Lecturer on Education, Founder Leadership Initiative for Faith in Education (LIFE)

Zakiya Jackson, President, The Expectations Project

Scott Neely, Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg Minister & Executive Director - Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty Moderator: Savannah Ray, SAM Director of Educational Engagement & Partnerships

In Spartanburg, a community of more than 50,000 school-age children is looking towards its hundreds of houses of worship for guidance. What if these faith-driven groups united to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their young neighbors, transcending boundaries to offer support? We stand at a crucial juncture for children and educators, demanding a collective impact approach. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, we’ve witnessed drops in academic performance and signs of struggle among our youth. It’s a moment that compels us all to pause and ponder: Is there a more effective way forward? This session explores the transformative potential of faith-based mobilization, not through secular means but through a shared commitment to supporting public schools, especially those attended by children trapped in poverty and marginalization. Can people of faith come together to strengthen educational outcomes for the most vulnerable? Join us as we address these pressing questions, shedding light on the possibilities and pathways for faith communities to collaborate, influence change, and improve the lives of Spartanburg’s children. It’s a call to action that transcends denominations and unites hearts for the betterment of our future generations.

Lunch Plenary & Educator Awards Heritage Ballroom 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. How Are the Children?

Joan Fail Hoffman, Children’s Trust of South Carolina, Chief Operating Officer

In the spirit of the Masai tradition that always asks, “How are the Children,”we gather today for a special lunch plenary and awards ceremony. This greeting embodies the profound importance placed on the well-being of our youngest generation by the Masai people. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with us as we strive to secure brighter futures for all the children of Spartanburg’s children. As the KIDS COUNT leader for South Carolina, Children’s Trust plays a pivotal role in harnessing high-quality data and trend analysis, courtesy of the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF). These insights are instrumental in our mission to ensure that every child in our county has the opportunity to thrive. Today, we will delve into the indicators that reveal the challenges faced by children and families in South Carolina. These statistics send a powerful message, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated strategies that expand opportunities for our youth to succeed. Join us as we take a closer look at how Spartanburg’s children are faring in comparison to the broader state and national context. Gain valuable insights into the implications of this data for our children’s future and learn how we can collectively work to improve their well-being. In addition to our insightful plenary session, we will also take this moment to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement in advancing continuous improvement in our community. It’s an opportunity to honor those who have gone above and beyond in making a positive impact in their classrooms and organizations. Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring lunch plenary, where we reaffirm our dedication to the wellbeing of our children and recognize those who lead the way in creating a brighter tomorrow.

John T. Wardlaw Excellence in Continuous Improvement Awards

Continuous Improvement for Growth as an Organization EP Todd School

EP Todd Principal Victoria Bradley was trained in 2017 to use Continuous Improvement tools and data to help drive instruction and growth for students. Since her initial training, as principal at EP Todd, she has implemented these concepts and has worked with EP Todd Continuous Improvement Coach Vanessa Briggs to incorporate these same strategies. Vanessa has embraced the continuous improvement work by ensuring all teachers have CI training. EP Todd is unique in that it has both standard and Montessori classrooms, and all these teachers are implementing CI work and using data to drive rigorous instruction. This year, EP Todd is using PDSA cycles to drive teachers’ assessments and planning and they are all speaking a common language of breaking down core subject content and standards into kid-friendly “I Can” statements. This process helps students and teachers understand the learning standards and have frequent assessments which allow for quick adaptation if a content area is not being met, based on the data. As an organization, EP Todd School has committed itself to being a CI School and has grown quickly in its implementation and use with fidelity.

Continuous Improvement for Growth as an Organization Cleveland Academy of Leadership

The use of CI tools and methods as complements to instructional techniques and throughout the building have had a tremendous impact in many areas of the school. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to continuous improvement started bearing fruit quite quickly in their journey. Cleveland has experienced extraordinary gains in academic outcomes for students over the last several years, even in the midst of the pandemic. Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade reading proficiency has steadily increased 20, 30, and even 40 percentage points in only a few short years. Student success in math proficiency has doubled and tripled since 2018. Attention has been given from the administrative level to parent engagement, attendance, discipline, and many other priorities that have all been identified and addressed through the effective use of continuous improvement. Cleveland is already seeing and feeling their impact in the faces of children who are excited to be in school, caregivers that are present and happy to celebrate the success of their children, teachers who are supported and eager to work together for the benefit of children, and they are still on their journey…destined to achieve even greater things in the years to come!

John T. Wardlaw Excellence in Continuous Improvement Awards Continuous Improvement for Growth, Teacher Award

Mandie Allen, Lone Oak Elementary School Mandie Allen has 20+ Years of Teaching Experience at Lone Oak Elementary School and each school year begins with making the invisible visible with her students for Math, ELA (especially phonics) and all other subjects. She displays daily “I can” statements for each subject area and begins her lessons with students stating this throughout their learning experience. Ms. Allen is dedicated to using data to improve her teaching strategies and her students' growth and success. She has continuously shown over 100% of growth based on student i-Ready data and DRA for the past 3+ years. Ms. Allen continuously reviews multiple data points as well as running class PDSA cycles to ensure her classroom instruction is aligned and differentiated for everyone's specific needs. Ms. Allen is always known for going beyond her teaching duties when it comes to including all stakeholders in her students' success. She communicates with parents on a consistent basis and ensures their voice is heard and appreciated in their students' overall success in her classroom. She is not only a data driven teacher but also a data driven leader. She is a constant go to teacher and leader for growing students both academically and socially. Ms. Allen is beyond dedicated to the students and families at Lone Oak Elementary School and she shows it daily through her hard work and dedication to our families, staff, and students.

Continuous Improvement for Impact, Teacher Award

Allie Thrower, Jesse Bobo Elementary School Allie Thrower is a hardworking, committed educator who always strives to ensure students are receiving the best possible education. As literacy coach, she takes on many roles and responsibilities related to ELA instruction at the school, one of which involves guiding and leading teachers through the process of analyzing and using ELA data to improve outcomes. The past few years, she has closely worked with teachers to develop school-wide literacy goals and monitor progress towards these goals. Ms. Thrower meets with teachers weekly during grade level planning to create rigorous and engaging standard-aligned lesson plans. Jesse Bobo’s school team has worked hard to take a deep dive into literacy standards and breaking them down into kid friendly language, and Ms. Thrower has been instrumental in having conversations about the level of rigor of SC state standards for ELA and develop common assessments to further guide and inform our instructional practices. Through weekly common grade level planning she supports teachers in planning standards-aligned lessons and helping them monitor student growth of Tier I instruction. This year, Ms. Thrower has also taken on the role of guiding and leading staff through Tier 2 ELA instruction based on our IReady data. Since Ms. Thrower been her position, there has been an increase in ELA SC Ready data each year, and even with those gains, she continuously strives to dig deeper into data and learn more to not only increase student achievement, but to also help close achievement gaps using continuous improvement tools and strategies. Her commitment and drive to provide students with the best quality education is unmatched.

Dr. John C. Stockwell Continuous Improvement Pioneer Award The Oxford Languages definition of the word pioneer means to develop or be the first to use a new method, area of knowledge, or activity. As SAM’s founding Executive Director, John positioned SAM as a forerunner in collective impact and continuous improvement efforts throughout the Strive Together network of communities across the country. SAM’s journey in enabling a culture of continuous improvement and success within the Four Schools Project would not have been possible without the intentionality, responsiveness, and support John provided culminating in the establishment of the John T. Wardlaw Institute for Continuous Improvement. We honor his vision and passion for this work by establishing the Dr. John C. Stockwell Continuous Improvement Pioneer Award.

Dr. John C. Stockwell Continuous Improvement Pioneer Award Spartanburg County School District 3 Spartanburg County School District 3 is being recognized because of their unique and “pioneering” approach to embracing Continuous Improvement methodology beginning with their administration first. In the summer of 2022, the Wardlaw Institute provided Continuous Improvement 101training with all the district principals and administrators, chartering their course for implementing CI practices into their district and schools beginning with their administration first. After their first year of using CI practices, they’ve continued in their learning of Continuous Improvement methods and tools with the support of their new Superintendent, Dr. Julie Fowler. Spartanburg School District Three has been intentional in their journey and is developing a new approach in how Continuous Improvement tools and methods can be used at all levels of an education system.

ContinuousImprovement Coach of the Year Marquice Clark, Cleveland Academy of Leadership Marquice Clark is a champion for Continuous Improvement in the school and classroom. He was an integral piece of the puzzle from the initiation of SAM’s work with the original Four Schools Project in 2017. One of his earliest projects where he implemented CI practices was around attendance because Marquice recognized that if children are not present at school, they cannot learn. His drive for student’s growth and success, no matter the student or circumstance, is what keeps the motivation going at Cleveland. As principal of Cleveland Academy of Leadership, his coaching is also demonstrated by developing the building into becoming a school of leaders and through practices like continuous improvement, he and his fellow educators work hard to give children a voice in their education. Marquice is also currently pursuing his EdD through Clemson University in their Education Systems Improvement Science Program.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Daniel Morgan Room 1 p.m. - 1:50p.m. Whose Job is It Anyway? Ask yourself… Who is responsible for setting direction and the implementation of a systems approach at your campus? If not you, then who? While there is no one right way to monitor and support continuous campus improvement, there are some ways that are clearly proven to be better than others! This interactive session is for those with responsibility for establishing campus goals and Terri Isles, monitoring continuous improvement. Senior Consultant, Shipley and Associates Come join the learning and conversation about what it takes to develop and implement an aligned improvement plan for schools that use the Performance Excellence Criteria as the systems approach.

Learning Outcomes: • Increased understanding of the role of the school improvement plan in a systems approach to school improvement. • Increased understanding of the Performance Excellence components as the blueprint for continuous improvement essential elements of a high-performing school. • Learn strategies for leadership to engage staff to assist with the implementation of the school improvement plan.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Croft Room 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. So Little Time, So Much To Do – The Power of Continuous Improvement Workshops

Dr. Eric Hayler, SAM Continuous Improvement Consultant

Continuous Improvement (CI) is a set of powerful tools and methods for problemsolving. Continuous improvement practitioners start by learning about Pareto charts, fishbone diagrams, affinity diagrams, and similar tools. How can we take these tools and use them to get impactful results? One method is the CI workshop. Continuous improvement workshops bring teams together to solve problems and create more efficient processes. This session will explore examples and best practices for using continuous improvement tools.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Wadsworth Room 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Continuous Improvement in Education – Early Stages of a Project

Dr. Glen Carson, SAM Data Support Specialist

Community Discussion Azalea Ballroom 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Movement 2030: Paving the Path to Economic Mobility in Spartanburg County Dr. Russell W. Booker, SAM Chief Executive Officer Join us for an informative session that unveils Movement 2030 ; an ambitious community plan poised to advance economic mobility anchored in academic achievement. This initiative is laser-focused on cultivating sustainable educational achievement in select neighborhoods and across the entire county. Movement 2030 aims to impact the lives of over 60,000 individuals, propelling 7,000 additional young minds onto the trajectory of economic mobility. The strategies at its core are carefully crafted to stimulate enduring systemic shifts, ensuring that their positive influence will last well beyond the target date. But the impact doesn’t stop there. These strategies are poised to trigger a cascade of broader benefits, including the revitalization of neglected communities, the expansion of our local talent pool, contributions to economic growth, and the elevation of Spartanburg’s national profile. In this session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how we intend to achieve these noteworthy outcomes. Discover how we’re harnessing the power of collaboration, community-driven initiatives, and evidencebased practices that have already shown promising results in our very own community. Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of Spartanburg County, and learn how you can contribute to the movement towards greater economic mobility for all.

Continuous Improvement Breakout Croft Room 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Using Improvement Science to Increase Educational Opportunities Across the Upstate In this session, faculty and students/graduates in the Doctor of Education (EdD) Program in Education Systems Improvement Science at Clemson University will share their efforts to use improvement science to increase educational opportunities for K-12 students across the Upstate and beyond. EdD students/graduates will share their research, discussing how they used improvement science to address educational problems of practice in K-12 settings Clemson University EdD Program in Education Systems Improvement Science Dr. Edwin Nii Bonney, Clemson University Assistant Professor in the EdD in Education Systems Improvement Science Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, Clemson University Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Lavonia Johnson-Davis, Recent graduate of Clemson University EdD Program in Educational Systems Improvement Science Alex Kameen, Clemson University EdD Program in Educational Systems Improvement Science Dr. Noelle Plaufler, Clemson University Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for EdD in Education Systems Improvement Science

Continuous Improvement Breakout Daniel Morgan Room 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Schools and Community-Based Organizations: Building Strong Partnerships

Jeremy Ly, Urban Alliance, National Director – Program Quality

Closing Plenary Azalea Ballroom 2 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. Charting the Path Forward: Turning Knowledge into Action

Dr. Irvin Scott, Harvard University Graduate School of Education Senior Lecturer on Education, Founder Leadership Initiative for Faith in Education (LIFE)

Kate Tromble, Data Quality Campaign, Vice President, Federal Policy

Zakiya Jackson, President, The Expectations Project

Joan Fail Hoffman, Children’s Trust of South Carolina Chief Operating Officer Moderator, Molly TalbotMetz, Mary Black Foundation President and CEO

As we draw the curtains on an enlightening day of learning and collaboration, join us in our closing plenary session to synthesize the invaluable insights gained throughout the summit. Our journey has been marked by engaging plenary sessions, thoughtprovoking discussions, and shared experiences. In this culminating session, we will distill the essence of our collective knowledge, reflecting on the key takeaways from our esteemed speakers and presenters. It’s a moment to connect the dots, weave together the threads of inspiration, and solidify our commitment to driving change. But we won’t stop at reflection. This session will be interactive, empowering participants to explore practical ways to apply the day’s learnings in their own communities and spheres of influence. We’ll delve into the building blocks of collaboration, uncovering the strategies and approaches that can lead to complementary efforts in advancing economic mobility. In the end, it’s not just about what we’ve learned, but how we’ll use that knowledge to make a tangible difference. Join us in this closing plenary to bridge the gap between insight and action, and together, let’s pave the way for greater economic mobility across Spartanburg far and wide. Your role in this journey is pivotal, and your dedication is the catalyst for positive change.

Keisha Gray, Chief Strategy Officer, Spartanburg Academic Movement

NOTES

Charting the Path Forward: Acknowledgements & Farewell 2:35 p.m.- 3 p.m.

KEYNOTE Richard Reeves

President of the American Institute of Boys and Men & Nonresident Senior Fellow of Brookings Institute

Richard Reeves is President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, an organization with a mission to raise awareness of the problems of boys and men and advocate for effective solutions. His 2022 book, “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It,” was described as a "landmark" in The New York Times and named a book of the year by both The Economist and The New Yorker. He is a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, where he previously directed the Future of the Middle-Class Initiative and the Center on Children and Families. Exclusively represented by BrightSight Speakers bureau, Reeves' previous roles include director of strategy to the UK's Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, from 2010-2012; director of the political think tank Demos; principal policy advisor to the UK's Minister for Welfare Reform; social affairs editor of The Observer; and economics correspondent for The Guardian. In 2017, Politico magazine named him one of the top 50 thinkers in the US. His other books include “Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do about It” (2017) as well as “John Stuart Mill: Victorian Firebrand” (2007).