What is continuous learning and improvement (CLI)? It’s an approach to improvement by which a team uses data to refine a problem, sets goals, and implements small tests of change to identify practices that are successful and can be scaled to a larger scope; CLI is often managed by an improvement team and is an iterative, intentionally designed approach to incremental change.
How is CLI different from program evaluation? Whereas program evaluation often focuses on outcomes, CLI focuses on the processes that lead to the outcomes. By using information gleaned from program evaluation, the CLI cycle helps highlight variance in outcomes that suggest a need for a change in existing processes. Also, CLI is a framework that utilizes tools that help guide teams to think differently and focus on exploring root causes of a problem. This helps ensure that ineffective practices are identified and understood before the team jumps to solutions.
How can CLI help support equity at my organization? CLI integrates a heavy focus on root cause analysis. Thus, instead of making assumptions about why something is happening, the CLI process guides teams to step back and gather data from community members to inform understanding of why something happens. It also integrates community authority and multiple stakeholder feedback, which creates opportunities to implement policies that benefit all students and families.
What local CLI projects has ImpactTulsa helped support?
- Decreasing chronic absenteeism in schools by increasing engagement between teachers, school staff, and families
- Providing resources about WIC to organizations supporting undocumented and immigrant families
- Increasing awareness of and bolstering Pre-K enrollment at Tulsa area schools through campaigns, family welcome events, and enrollment process improvement. Also identified community validators and parent advocates to deploy importance of early learning.
- Understanding the nutritional barriers adolescents face during pregnancy in high school
Do I need to be trained to do CLI? There’s no certificate or degree required for you to use CLI tools and practices at your agency. However, in order to ensure adequate understanding of all components of the CLI cycle, we recommend you attend a training that teaches you how to implement each phase of the cycle into your work.
Where can I find trainings for CLI? ImpactTulsa offers two CLI trainings. CLI 101 is a 90 minute training that provides an overview of CLI, it’s value in an organization, and key facets of the CLI process. CLI 201 is a 3.5 hour training that provides in-depth information about the CLI process and allows participants to practice using the relevant tools. Click here to register.