ABSTRACT
Initiating and deploying Continuous Quality Improvement will be relatively easy compared to the work and effort needed to sustain and build momentum for the quality transformation. Sustaining the transformation is where the real work takes place and where commitment is tested. The fundamental question remains: “How does one reach the point where the quality transformation is self-sustaining?” The answer lies in continually reinforcing the new vision. Teamwork can be sustained only when everyone receives an equitable share of the rewards and recognition. An obvious sign that a school district is sustaining the transformation will be the number of teams engaged in continual improvement cycles that are showing results from their work. Sustaining public support for the school district’s new vision of quality requires an aggressive outreach program to the community-at-large. The school district’s leadership should take every opportunity to develop and nurture internal and external champions to continually renew and revitalize the quality transformation.
