Build Your Capacity to

Facilitate Networked Improvement

Looking to build your capacity to facilitate
networked improvement? We can work with your team
to identify strengths and build capacity in two ways:

  • Assess your strengths and capacity building needs

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  • Connect you to an expert who can help build your team capacity

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What is the ICAF?

The Intermediary Capacity Framework (ICAF) is a framework that leverages the collective expertise of the sector to communicate the capacities that are necessary to successfully lead a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) with continuous improvement at the core.

The ICAF outlines 16 capacities in five areas that are critical to the work of intermediaries. Each capacity is defined in the framework and described in more detail through a set of look-fors. The look-fors are a grounding space for organizations looking to assess their own capacity to facilitate a NIC.

The five areas of work are:

  • Continuous improvement
  • Network initiation, management, and support
  • Measurement & Data for Improvement
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Leadership support

Who is it intended for?
The ICAF is helpful for any school, district, or intermediary team who is leading or working as part of a networked improvement community, professional learning community, or otherwise trying to implement new practices in an educational setting.

Where Should I Start?

  • Review the ICAF and consider your work in light of the capacities, definitions, and look-for descriptions.
  • If you’d like to take the next step, schedule time with our team to walk through the ICAF at no cost to you

How Our Process Works

At Catalyst:Ed, we believe that each organization is unique – and that leaders and teams know their needs and contexts best and must be empowered to make the capacity building choices that work for them. At the same time, they also need high-quality options and scaffolded supports, so they can make informed and intentional decisions.

Our signature project matching process, trusted by over 1,000 state and local education agencies and nonprofits, is designed to deliver high-quality, individualized support that is responsive to the needs and contexts of each organization. Here’s more about how our process works.

Individualized Support For Mission-Critical Needs

Our signature project matching process is designed to deliver high-quality, individualized support that is responsive to the needs and contexts of your organization. Simply tell us a bit about the project and you’ll receive expert support in just three easy steps.

  • Connect With a Capacity Advisor

    Get guidance and support from a Catalyst:Ed Capacity Advisor who can help you assess where you are, plan for capacity building, scope projects, and curate providers from our network.

  • Review Options and Select a Provider

    Review and compare proposals from vetted providers via our platform, and decide who you want to interview and who you want to work with.

  • Get Started On Your Project!

    Your Capacity Advisor will check-in during the project and capture your feedback as well as lessons learned once the project is completed.