Our Methodology
A Proven Four-Phase Approach
From initial conversation through sustained implementation and beyond—True Guide's methodology ensures clarity, intentionality, and lasting transformation.
Phase 1
Thoughtful Conversation
We begin where every genuine partnership must: with listening. This phase is about understanding your context—your institution's history, values, aspirations, challenges, and current state.
Who We Talk To
Leaders, teachers, students, parents, and relevant stakeholders. We seek to understand the institution from multiple perspectives.
What We Explore
Mission and values. Current academic systems. Strengths and challenges. Leadership clarity. Teacher experiences. Parent perspectives. Aspirations for change.
Outcome
A clear shared understanding of context and scope for deeper work. Agreement on next steps.
Timeline
1-3 weeks of consultations and conversations
Key Activities
• Initial leadership briefing
• Stakeholder interviews (individual and group)
• School observation and classroom visits
• Document and data review
• Debriefing and next steps discussion
Timeline
4-8 weeks of diagnosis and analysis
Key Activities
• Deep curriculum analysis
• Assessment framework review
• Leadership alignment assessment
• Systems and processes audit
• Evidence compilation and analysis
• Report development with findings and recommendations
Phase 2
Academic Review & Diagnosis
Based on initial conversations, we conduct rigorous assessment—looking deeply at curriculum coherence, pedagogical alignment, assessment systems, leadership clarity, and institutional culture.
What We Analyse
Curriculum documents and mapping. Teaching practice (classroom observations). Assessment systems. Data on student achievement. Leadership structures and communication. Institutional systems and processes.
Our Lens
Clarity. Coherence. Alignment. Sustainability. Evidence-based assessment. We look for what's working and where gaps exist.
Deliverable
Clear, detailed diagnostic report with findings, analysis, and recommended priorities for improvement.
Phase 3
Structured, Practical Planning
With clear diagnostic findings, we work collaboratively with leadership teams and stakeholders to develop realistic, actionable plans for improvement. These are not vague visions—they are concrete roadmaps.
What We Design
Prioritized improvement roadmap. Clear milestones and phases. Specific actions for each workstream. Assignment of responsibilities. Resource requirements. Timeline and sequencing.
How We Work
Collaborative planning sessions with leadership. Input from teachers and relevant stakeholders. Iterative refinement based on feedback. Build alignment and ownership.
Outcome
A detailed implementation plan that everyone understands and to which leadership is committed.
Timeline
3-6 weeks of collaborative planning
Key Activities
• Leadership team planning sessions
• Stakeholder consultation (teachers, parents)
• Workstream design for each priority area
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Resource and capacity planning
• Communication and change readiness planning
Timeline
6-24 months (depends on scope)
Key Activities
• Regular coaching and mentoring
• Teacher professional development
• Progress monitoring and assessment
• Leadership team support and refinement
• Stakeholder communication
• System adjustment and optimization
Phase 4
On-Ground Implementation & Follow-Up
This is where the real work happens. We are alongside you through implementation—supporting teachers, coaching leaders, adjusting as needed, celebrating progress, and maintaining commitment through challenges.
Ongoing Support
Regular coaching sessions. Teacher professional development. Leadership team briefings. Problem-solving for obstacles. Celebration of progress and wins.
Monitoring & Adjustment
Regular progress checks against milestones. Classroom observation to assess implementation. Data review. Stakeholder feedback. Quick adjustments when needed.
Sustainability
Building internal capacity so change sustains beyond our involvement. Developing leaders and teachers who can drive continued improvement.
Principles That Guide Our Work
These values shape how we approach every phase and every engagement.
Collaboration Over Prescription
We work with you, not at you. Your wisdom about your institution matters. We bring expertise; you bring context. Together, better solutions emerge.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
We rely on observation, data, and evidence—not ideology or untested theory. We look at what actually works in your context and build from there.
Honest, Clear Communication
We say what we see, even if it's uncomfortable. We celebrate progress. We acknowledge challenges. We never sugar-coat or spin.
Patience and Persistence
Real change takes time. We don't rush. We stay committed. We understand that implementation is messy, and we work through it together.
Building Internal Capacity
We're not here to create dependency. We build your team's capability so sustainable improvement continues after we step back.
Respect for Your Culture
We understand that each institution has a unique character, values, and way of operating. We honor that while helping you become the best version of yourself.
Flexible Engagement Models
The four-phase model is our foundation, but engagement looks different depending on your needs and context.
Full Cycle Implementation
Complete engagement from initial conversation through diagnosis, planning, and sustained implementation. Typically 12-24 months.
Best for: Comprehensive school transformation
Diagnostic & Planning
Initial conversation through diagnosis and planning. You then lead implementation with check-ins. Typically 3-4 months.
Best for: Clear roadmap, internal implementation
Targeted Engagement
Focus on specific workstreams (curriculum, assessment, leadership) rather than full-scale work. Flexible duration.
Best for: Specific challenges, targeted support
What Success Looks Like
For Schools
Coherent curriculum that makes sense and progresses logically. Teachers who teach with clarity and confidence. Leadership that articulates vision and executes it. Parents who understand the academic journey. Systems that endure beyond individuals. Measurable improvement in student learning outcomes and wellbeing.
For Teachers
Deeper understanding of subject content and effective pedagogy. Confidence in classroom practice and assessment. Ability to design ambitious yet achievable lessons. Reflection and continuous improvement as a norm. Professional growth and agency. Alignment with school vision and other colleagues.
For Parents & Students
Clear understanding of what children are learning and why. Confidence in academic pathways and choices. Support that addresses individual learner needs. Communication that's honest and regular. A sense that education is purposeful and that their child is known and valued.
For All
A culture of intellectual inquiry and continuous improvement. Shared commitment to excellence and integrity. Alignment between what we say we value and what we actually do. Sustainable systems that feel alive, not perfunctory.
Ready to Begin?
Let's have an initial conversation about your situation and how True Guide might support your work.