The Model for Improvement, Part I: Aim Statements

PC1: Improvement Science Basics

Anna Kawar

Our Road Map for Learning

Seeing the System

Understanding the Problem

Establishing an Aim

Effect

Cause Cause

Cause Cause

Aim Statements

What is the purpose of an AIM statement?

!  “True north” for an improvement effort

!  Scopes the effort: defines the system that you will improve

What  are  we  trying  to  accomplish?    

What  change(s)  can  we  make  that  will  result  in  improvement?  

   How  will  we  know  that  a  change  is  an  

improvement?    

AIM  statement  

The Three Improvement Questions

Good AIM Statements…

…Answer the question:

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

! How much? (measureable, specific, numerical goals)

! By when? (time frame)

! For what/whom? (target population or setting or system/process)

! Specific yet representative of overarching goal (compelling)

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Aim Statement Examples

Get my students to be more self-reflective.

Increase the number of beginning algebra students that learn from their quizzes.

Increase from 30% to 80% the percentage of my beginning algebra students who correct their errors on quizzes by the end of March.

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By when?

For whom?

How much?

What?

Your Turn

! Write an aim statement

! Scoping: – Think about the WILL of the people involved – Think about your ability to generate actionable IDEAS

(expertise) – Think about your ability to EXECUTE (resources, influence)

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