33. Getting implementation right: Upstream, downstream and root causes with Mark Miller

Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning

How do schools successfully implement change that actually sticks? Mark Miller, Director of Bradford Research School, joins us to break down the recent updates to the Education Endowment Foundation's implementation guidance - revealing why the social dimensions of change might be the most critical factor for success.
The conversation dives deep into why schools often rush past the crucial "explore" phase of implementation, jumping to solutions before properly understanding problems. Mark shares practical strategies for "shrinking" nebulous issues like literacy into manageable components using frameworks such as the Reading House and the Simple View of Writing.
We explore the distinction between upstream causes and downstream symptoms in education - illustrated through the powerful metaphor of people falling into a river. Do we rescue them downstream or prevent them from falling in upstream? The answer, of course, is both - but knowing where to focus limited resources requires careful analysis.
Perhaps most valuable is Mark's insight into the three key implementation behaviours: engage, reflect, and unite. These social processes determine whether change efforts succeed or fail in educational settings. When schools unite around core values, engage diverse stakeholders, and reflect continuously on progress, implementation becomes not just a technical process but a powerful catalyst for school improvement.
Whether you're tackling literacy challenges, behaviour systems, or curriculum redesign, this conversation offers practical wisdom for making change that genuinely transforms student outcomes. What problem are you really trying to solve, and are you taking the time to explore it properly?
Mark has led Bradford Research School since its inception in 2018. He has worked for Dixons Academies Trust for over a decade, having spent many years at Dixons Kings Academy, teaching English and leading teacher development. Before that, he was a lead practitioner in English, working in Leeds.
Mark works with teachers and school leaders regionally and nationally to implement evidence-informed approaches that can improve outcomes for all children and young people, but particularly those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. You can hear more from Mark via @markmillerteach and Bradford Research School via @BradResearchSch.

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1. Introduction to Implementation with Mark Miller (00:00:00)

2. Social Processes in Implementation (00:04:48)

3. Building Narrative Around Implementation (00:12:44)

4. The Importance of the Explore Phase (00:16:48)

5. Tackling Complex Problems Like Literacy (00:22:52)

6. Upstream vs Downstream Solutions (00:29:10)

7. Final Advice on Implementation (00:32:43)