De-implementation

Constantly bombarded by new innovations that fail to yield promised results, education leaders often grow frustrated and discouraged. Rather than becoming skeptical of all innovations, Peter advises leaders to become thoughtfully discerning through the process of de-implementation. It’s wise advice that is long overdue and vitally important.

-- Thomas R. Guskey, Ph.D. * University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY *

STOP. We add, reform, innovate, and tinker but rarely consider how to reduce and halt that which has the least impact and distracts from the joy of teaching. DeWitt invites you to reflect, respond, and remove, and introduces the notion of efficiency into your life. This book in education is so overdue. It is the Konmari decluttering bible for schools. 

-- John Hattie * University of Melbourne and co-director of the Hattie Family Foundation, Carlton, Vic, Australia *

Schools are busy places that are often filled with the debris of failed initiatives. Peter′s latest book tackles this unspoken challenge head-on. Highlighting the science of de-implementation and presenting a practical framework, his book is a must for any leader seeking support in clearing the decks in their buildings and empowering their teachers to focus on the important work of teaching. 

-- Tim O’Leary * Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Parksville, VIC , Australia *

De-Implementation is a core competency for any organization that focuses like a laser on only those high value initiatives that have real impact. Peter shows "the why" behind implementation, and helps you map your own process and success criteria.  If your leadership goal is to be more purposeful in where you focus your time, resources and talent, De-implementation can help.

-- Colleen Kaney * Hamburg Central School District, Hamburg, NY *

In De-implementation: Creating the Space to Focus on What Works Peter Dewitt convincingly makes the case for getting serious about stopping or reducing (some) existing practices, and he provides no-nonsense tools to help you get this work done. It will help you to take the ‘less-path’, whilst also getting more done in the process!

-- Dr Arran Hamilton * Cognition Education, New Zealand *

The pace and breadth of initiatives in schools seem to grow exponentially. De-implementation offers a much-needed sense of relief to step back and "creates space to focus on what works."  The text reads like a conversation, offers a roadmap back to balance, and outlines a clear process and hands-on tools to support along the way.

-- Chris Beals * Washington Association of School Administrators, Instructional Leadership Network, Tumwater, WA *

My goal this year as a principal was to evaluate what we are doing in our building that is effective.  As always, Peter Dewitt breaks down big ideas into immediate action steps that are simple.  This book is timely for leaders in education because it is an opportunity to make evidence-based changes that focus on student learners and effective practices.

-- Stacy Storey * Oklahoma City School District, Oklahoma City, OK *

After decades of adding on in public education, DeWitt’s De-Implementation guides readers through a thoughtful experience of reflection, wonder and questioning.  He challenges decades of assumptions that more is better.  Instead, he encourages more implementation of deep, important practices.  Frankly, I will use the concept of "clutter checks" for the rest of my career!

 Like Peter says, "It’s now your turn!"

-- Michael Nelson * Assistant Executive Director at WASA, Enumclaw, WA *

A timely and necessary read, DeWitt challenges us teachers and  leaders to look introspectively and consider what might we no longer need in education. The process of implementation should first look at what isn’t serving our best interests and DeWitt provides a practical model to do so. All stakeholders who are responsible for initiatives and professional learning should read this book immediately.

-- Vince Bustamante, M. Ed. * Edmonton AB, Canada *

Peter has touched on a topic that so many school leaders have at times completely missed. De-implementation comes at a time when schools are being asked to take more on without considering what needs to be left behind. Peter’s notion of de-implementation provides a platform for school communities to examine not just what they do but how and why they do it.

-- Raymond Boyd * West Swan (Dayton) Primary School, West Swan, WA, Australia *

Due to the increased stress and complex issues currently compounding educational systems, there is no better time than now to read DeWitt’s De-implementation. Filled with practical guidance, this book provides direction for educators to help navigate the de-implementation process. Specific steps are given for leaders and teachers to take together as they engage in critical conversations to understand the impact of their choices.

-- Mandi Olson, EdD * Alpine School District, American Fork, UT *

Our current situation has created stressful challenges and uncertainties that could jeopardize our well-being as educators. Added expectations have shifted our attention away from our mission as educators—student learning. DeWitt provides a clear and evidence-based process to make us highly selective about what we bring into our schools.

-- Caroline Picard * Roberts Creek, BC, Canada *

By integrating the evidence on effective implementation and collaboration throughout his book Peter DeWitt empowers schools with the rationale, tools and important discussions needed in schools for de-implementation. The De-implementation Handbook challenges schools to sharpen their focus and ′de-clutter′ what has not made an impact in schools by strategically collaborating in schools and systems using a cycle of de-implementation that can support schools and systems to improve student outcomes and build collective teacher capability. DeWitt offers practical examples, and internal professional learning opportunities at the end of each chapter for schools and leaders to strengthen a shared language for supporting improvement in their contexts in closing the implementation gap for schools. 

-- Helen Butler * Partners in Learning, Sunbury, Vic, Australia *

Peter Dewitt has a habit of leaping ahead avoiding tinkering and focusing on a substantial change agenda. Fortunately, he also insists on making the reader an action partner. There are five great ideas; and five stops along the way. Each time you have a ‘clutter check’ where you clean up before you proceed. De-implementation is a book that helps you de-tox your change agenda replacing it with a healthy, streamlined focus on what really works

-- Michael Fullan * Toronto, ON, Cana