ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a real-world case examination of the stages of implementation of innovative change in the public sector. Many public sector challenges, such as reducing educational disparities, are quite complex and require more innovative action. Through the collaborative work of its partner organizations, Achieving the Dream provides colleges extensive support in collecting and analysing student data; designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention strategies; and broadening knowledge among stakeholders about policies and programs that contribute to student success. Achieving the Dream is at the forefront of innovative national efforts to improve student outcomes in community colleges and to hold institutions accountable for their performance. The colleges are implementing institutional changes based upon student outcomes geared to improve the progression and success of their students. The colleges’ experiences in implementing an innovative, data-driven student success approach are instructive for the public sector at large.
