Using PDSAs to Improve Student Achievement and Being Pretty Darn Successful At it!

Abstract: Penn Elementary has used the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) problem-solving cycle at the school, in teams, in classrooms and at student levels. This process is a rapid response to concerns, whether they are schoolwide or specific to an individual student’s academic or behavioral goals. Positive results have included improved student academic achievement and behavior. Operational improvements have increased instructional time and improved hallway behavior and transitions. A standard PDSA seven-step model is used throughout the school to ensure problem-solving reliability.

Keywords: Primary and Secondary Education Brief