Building a Culture of Inquiry

Using a Cycle of Exploring Research and Data to Improve Student Success

Authors: The RP Group

Publication Date: 2013

Format: PDF

Start the ProcessSharpen the FocusAct with PurposeSustain and Evolve
Catalytic LeadershipStrategic Data Use
Senior Leaders

This guide introduces the concept of a culture of inquiry and presents the Applied Inquiry Framework—a five-stage model designed to help institutions embed research and evidence into improvement efforts. It begins by outlining why information alone is not enough to fuel change, highlighting key characteristics of a culture of inquiry and its role in advancing student success. The guide then walks through each stage of the framework with embedded discussion questions, examples, and resources to support reflection, dialogue, and deeper exploration across teams.

Connections to the Transformation Journey
and How Institutions Transform

Stages of Transformation

Start the ProcessSharpen the FocusAct with PurposeSustain and Evolve
  • Start the Process: This guide supports institutions building shared understanding and buy-in around the purpose of transformation. It offers accessible framing to help communicate what a culture of inquiry looks like and why it matters, introducing a five-stage model that can ground early conversations.
  • Sharpen the Focus: The first three stages of the Applied Inquiry Framework, defining a focus, gathering meaningful evidence, and engaging practitioners, provide structure and language for using data to identify priorities and guide reflection.
  • Act with Purpose: Stage 4 reinforces the importance of grounding reforms and new initiatives in shared insights developed through collaborative inquiry into a defined challenge.
  • Sustain and Evolve: Stage 5 emphasizes the value of measuring impact and using data to continuously refine strategies, reinforcing the iterative nature of transformation work.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Core Institutional Capacities

Catalytic LeadershipStrategic Data Use
  • Strategic Data Use: The guide enhances data capacity by promoting inquiry as a foundational practice. It positions data as a tool for strategic planning—not just outcome tracking—and provides examples of the routines and conversations that support shared learning and insight.
  • Catalytic Leadership: The Applied Inquiry Framework offers a structured, high-level approach that leaders can use to guide student success reforms. It provides clarity on roles, expectations, and participation while modeling inclusive, cross-functional leadership grounded in continuous improvement.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Continuous Improvement

This resource is most relevant to the following cross-functional roles:

  • Senior Leaders: This guide offers a high-level, structured model for leading student success reforms grounded in continuous improvement principles. It helps clarify roles, expectations, and participation while signaling the importance of broad, cross-functional engagement in developing and implementing strategies.

This resource connects to the following phase(s) of the PRPAM framework:

  • Reflect: Stages 2 and 3 (Gather Relevant and Meaningful Evidence and Engage a Broad Range of Practitioners in Exploring the Evidence) support the Reflect phase by guiding institutions to analyze data before identifying possible responses.
  • Act: Stage 4 (Translate Collective Insight into Action) emphasizes translating shared insight into action, reinforcing that effective reforms should be grounded in intentional inquiry.
  • Monitor: Stage 5 (Measure the Impact of Action) supports institutions in the Monitor stage of a continuous improvement cycle by promoting impact measurement and reinforcing the cyclical nature of continuous improvement.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Other Considerations

  • The five stages of the Applied Inquiry Framework closely align with three stages of transformation: Sharpen the Focus, Act with Purpose, and Sustain and Evolve, making this guide a strong resource for institutions seeking to embed inquiry and evidence into every stage of change.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Start the ProcessSharpen the FocusAct with PurposeSustain and Evolve
  • Start the Process: This guide supports institutions building shared understanding and buy-in around the purpose of transformation. It offers accessible framing to help communicate what a culture of inquiry looks like and why it matters, introducing a five-stage model that can ground early conversations.
  • Sharpen the Focus: The first three stages of the Applied Inquiry Framework, defining a focus, gathering meaningful evidence, and engaging practitioners, provide structure and language for using data to identify priorities and guide reflection.
  • Act with Purpose: Stage 4 reinforces the importance of grounding reforms and new initiatives in shared insights developed through collaborative inquiry into a defined challenge.
  • Sustain and Evolve: Stage 5 emphasizes the value of measuring impact and using data to continuously refine strategies, reinforcing the iterative nature of transformation work.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Catalytic LeadershipStrategic Data Use
  • Strategic Data Use: The guide enhances data capacity by promoting inquiry as a foundational practice. It positions data as a tool for strategic planning—not just outcome tracking—and provides examples of the routines and conversations that support shared learning and insight.
  • Catalytic Leadership: The Applied Inquiry Framework offers a structured, high-level approach that leaders can use to guide student success reforms. It provides clarity on roles, expectations, and participation while modeling inclusive, cross-functional leadership grounded in continuous improvement.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

This resource is most relevant to the following cross-functional roles:

  • Senior Leaders: This guide offers a high-level, structured model for leading student success reforms grounded in continuous improvement principles. It helps clarify roles, expectations, and participation while signaling the importance of broad, cross-functional engagement in developing and implementing strategies.

This resource connects to the following phase(s) of the PRPAM framework:

  • Reflect: Stages 2 and 3 (Gather Relevant and Meaningful Evidence and Engage a Broad Range of Practitioners in Exploring the Evidence) support the Reflect phase by guiding institutions to analyze data before identifying possible responses.
  • Act: Stage 4 (Translate Collective Insight into Action) emphasizes translating shared insight into action, reinforcing that effective reforms should be grounded in intentional inquiry.
  • Monitor: Stage 5 (Measure the Impact of Action) supports institutions in the Monitor stage of a continuous improvement cycle by promoting impact measurement and reinforcing the cyclical nature of continuous improvement.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

  • The five stages of the Applied Inquiry Framework closely align with three stages of transformation: Sharpen the Focus, Act with Purpose, and Sustain and Evolve, making this guide a strong resource for institutions seeking to embed inquiry and evidence into every stage of change.

Learn more about the Transformation Journey and How Institutions Transform.

Download Resource

Recommended Citation: Chaplot, P., Booth, K., & Johnstone, R. (n.d.). Building a Culture of Inquiry: Using a Cycle of Exploring Research and Data to Improve Student Success. Berkeley, CA: theRPgroup; Completion by Design.

These phases are connected—and continuous. Each cycle builds on the last, deepening impact and embedding equity-driven change over time.

Monitor

Track results, gather insights, and assess progress. Use data and voice to refine strategy and ensure equity stays at the center.

Act

Implement reforms through cross-functional coordination. Test strategies, support your teams, and adapt based on feedback and student outcomes.

Prioritize

Focus your resources on what matters most. Target high-impact strategies that advance equity, improve student experience, and align with your mission.

Reflect

Examine disaggregated data and student experiences to understand root causes. Identify what needs to change—and why it matters.

Prepare

Establish a shared vision. Define the challenge, build the team, and ground your work in equity and student success from the start.