Unlocking Success: How ‘Improvement Science’ is Transforming Education in Merced County – Annual Report Revealed

On January 22, educational leaders and community members in Merced County came together at the MCOE Downtown Center for the Annual Education Report. Merced County Superintendent Dr. Steve Tietjen led the presentation, sharing key updates for the 2023-24 school year.

Dr. Tietjen highlighted some positive trends, noting that graduation rates in Merced County are above the state average. He also addressed the unique challenges our community faces. “Many of our children come from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. We also have a significant number of English learners and students with special needs,” he said. He emphasized the need for partnerships with local colleges to strengthen college attendance rates.

A central theme of the report was the importance of using “data-informed decisions” to enhance student performance and school culture. Author Brandon Bennett, an expert in improvement science, spoke about how effective systems impact educational outcomes. He drew a comparison between the U.S. and European transportation systems, explaining how these built systems can shape experiences.

“If we want different results, we need different designs,” Bennett stated. He showcased how data tools can help address key issues in education, like teacher retention, support for multilingual learners, and academic program effectiveness.

The event also featured two companion videos produced by Merced Education Television (METV), illustrating success stories within the county. Dr. Tietjen pointed out, “We have notable successes that show how focusing on systems and data can boost student outcomes.”

One standout success highlighted was the Winton School District. Despite serving a high percentage of low-income students, they exceeded expectations and achieved impressive test scores at Frank Sparkes Elementary School.

In addition to the informative presentations, attendees enjoyed performances by the Weaver School District’s Performing Arts Program, showcasing their production of “Aladdin Jr.”

The event was supported by several sponsors including STIFEL, EECU, and Travis Credit Union, with representatives from local government and educational institutions in attendance.

If you’re interested in learning more, the digital copies of the 2023-24 Annual Education Report and related videos can be found at mcoe.org/annualreport. For hard copies, you can reach out directly.