1M: Improvement Through Partnership: Lessons from Baltimore and the RISE Network

Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) and the RISE Network have forged a cross-regional partnership built on a shared commitment to continuous improvement. This session will explore how, from their distinct perspectives as a large urban district and an external nonprofit partner, BCPS and RISE have advanced meaningful improvement efforts over the past several years. Presenters will share lessons learned from leading improvement in complex systems, highlighting both the mindset and disciplined practices that drive sustainable change. Together, they will examine the complementary roles of districts and external partners in building improvement capacity in schools, and how their partnership has evolved over the course of the last few years. Participants will engage with frameworks for assessing readiness to sustain improvement, and reflect on challenges of scaling effective practices.