Utilizing Improvement Science to advance a STEM improvement effort: Increase the number of underserved and underrepresented students who pursue a science, technology, engineering, and mathematic education by building collective capacity

The primary purpose of this dissertation in practice is to provide educational leaders with a roadmap for investigating barriers that prevent underserved and underrepresented (USUR) students from entering STEM careers in order to strategically plan their local STEM improvement effort. It offers the educational leader seven guiding principles, along with descriptions and illustrations of Improvement Science tools that include an improvement map, driver diagrams, and examples of one leader's efforts to address his district's unique needs. These Improvement Science tools will enable educational leaders to begin their STEM improvement effort. Improvement Science uses the theory of Profound Knowledge, which combines research with practical knowledge. The methods and approaches can and should be adjusted to local needs and provide a framework to reduce barriers through collaborative and focused efforts.