Phase 1

Initiate

Goal
Learn about transformation, build belief, and prepare for the journey ahead

Phase Owner(s)
Superintendents, central office leaders, district transformation team

Duration
Approx. 2–3 months

Initiating the Design Journey

In this phase of the journey, the district sets the stage for transformation—gauging interest in and support for the design journey among school leaders and community members. Simultaneously, the district reflects on its own capacity to undertake and sustain a transformation effort with high schools.

To initiate the design journey, a small team of district leaders starts by identifying and engaging individuals to become part of the district transformation team, the team that leads the day-to-day work. Next, the district transformation team along with district leadership conducts a District Readiness Self-Assessment to better understand the current capacity of the district. Finally, the team will look to enlist key members of the community whose support will be essential to the transformation effort.

Along the way, the district gets to know the XQ transformation process and what it entails—from the journey ahead to the central role of community engagement to the importance of an inclusive transformation team, and the XQ Design Principles and the XQ Learner Outcomes that are the foundation of high school transformation.

Creating the Conditions for Success

Though the district is responsible for completing the key activities within this phase, it is crucial that the district seek input from others along the way. High school transformation requires the deep collaboration of many and success in this phase of the work means engaging schools, in particular, in these early conversations.

The Phase 1 Journey

This map breaks down the key steps to be completed in this phase of the journey. While the exact timing, order, and process for completing these steps is ultimately up to schools and districts, this map offers a recommended pathway for completing these steps.

Scroll left and right to navigate the timeline. Click into any step to learn more.

Hotspot

Highlights of this phase

Assembling the district transformation team:

District leaders identify and recruit a dedicated and diverse team to drive the day-to-day work of high school transformation within the district.

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Highlights of this phase

Assessing the district’s readiness:

The district transformation team completes an assessment to evaluate the district’s current capacity, foster shared understanding within the team, and develop a strategy for the journey ahead.

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Highlights of this phase

Enlisting key community members:

The district transformation team identifies a set of key community members whose support will be essential to secure before publicly committing to the design journey.

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