ABSTRACT
The preparation phase requires the district’s senior leadership to first do their homework by gaining a deep understanding of Continuous Quality Improvement, and then plan and organize the structure to begin implementation. It is important to emphasize in setting up the structure not to establish a separate organization. Understanding the quality concepts and tools cannot be mastered simply by reading a book or attending a seminar. The superintendent and senior leadership will need the counsel and support of champions for the cause to bring Continuous Quality Improvement into operation. Many of the early champions should form the nucleus of a more formal structure to provide oversight, guidance and support to the quality transformation at every level. The superintendent and all instructional leaders shall provide for ongoing planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of improvement with periodic reports concerning the status of student, associate, and system continuous improvement to the school board.
