Defining Scaling Up Across Disciplines: An Annotated Bibliography

The issue of ―scale‖ is a key challenge for school reform, yet it remains undertheorized in the literature. Definitions of scale have traditionally restricted its scope, focusing on the expanding number of schools reached by a reform. Such definitions mask the complex challenges of reaching out broadly while simultaneously cultivating the depth of change necessary to support and sustain consequential change. This article draws on a review of theoretical and empirical literature on scale, relevant research on reform implementation, and original research to synthesize and articulate a more multidimensional conceptualization. Comment: The author presents a conception of scale with four interrelated dimensions: depth, sustainability, spread, and shift in reform ownership. Coburn offers a well thought out look at the literature around scaling up in education but fails to offer an explicit, or operational definition of scaling up. The multidimensional conceptualization of scale is useful and the four interrelated and key dimensions of scale are clearly described; (1) Depth is change going beyond structure to permeate the culture and beliefs of teachers and other program implementers. (2) At the crux of the challenge to achieving scale is the issue of sustainability, that is, going to scale involves an element of time and of lasting change. (3) Like depth, spread not only refers to the spread of a program to more locations, more individuals, etc., but focuses on the spread of change within a single site, or a single classroom – the spread of norms. (4) Lastly, a shift in ownership means that what was once an external reform becomes now an internal reform with the power to implement and sustain the program no longer being held outside of the organization or site. Cooley, L., & Kohl, R. (2005) Scaling up—From vision to large-scale change: A management framework for practitioners. Washington, D.C.: Management Systems International(MSI). Comment: In 2003 a framework and set of guidelines for improved management of the scaling up process was developed and field tested with grant support. This framework was intended to be of direct and immediate use to those planning, implementing, and funding pilot projects and to those hoping to take the results of such projects to scale. Few pilot projects take the steps needed to maximize their prospects for scaling up. The framework presented in this paper seeks to address this issue by offering practical advice with a threestep process to carry out each of ten key tasks needed for effective scaling up. Broadly, the three steps are (1) to develop a scaling-up plan, including creating a vision, assessing scalability, filling in information gaps, and preparing a scaling up plan, (2) to establish the pre-conditions for scaling up, including legitimizing change, building a constituency, as well as realigning and mobilizing resources, and (3) to implement the scaling-up process, including modifying organizational structures, coordinating action, and maintaining momentum.