A Practical Playbook: Peter DeWitt on De-Implementation

As a district leader, you’re managing a lot—initiatives, professional learning, coaching, and everything in between. But according to Peter DeWitt, the key to real impact isn’t doing more; it’s doing less, better. Instead of overwhelming educators with too many priorities, focus on what truly moves the needle for student learning. Here’s how you can start next week.

Step 1: Cut the Clutter

Start with an honest look at your current initiatives. Ask:

What’s improving instruction and student learning?
What’s adding complexity without real impact?

DeWitt suggests sorting initiatives into three categories:

High-Impact Work – Keep and refine.
Well-Intended but Unfocused Work – Reassess or streamline.
Work That’s Draining Capacity – Phase out.

🗂️ Action Step for Next Week: Meet with your team and identify one initiative to streamline, refine, or phase out.

Step 2: Communicate a Clear Focus

If educators can’t summarize your district’s instructional priorities in one sentence, they’re likely unclear. Leaders should craft a message that’s simple, memorable, and actionable.

🗣️ Action Step for Next Week: Draft a one-sentence statement that defines your district’s top priority. Share it with a few educators—if they can’t repeat it back, refine it until it sticks.

Step 3: Align Your Time With Your Priorities

District leaders often say coaching, PLCs, or professional learning are priorities—but their calendars don’t reflect it. DeWitt’s challenge? If it’s not on your schedule, it’s not really a priority.

📅 Action Step for Next Week: Audit your calendar. Block off time for walkthroughs, coaching check-ins, or direct engagement with educators. Even small shifts build trust and momentum.

Step 4: Follow Through, Not Just Follow Up

Educators have seen too many initiatives come and go. If you want change to stick, create a simple system for ongoing dialogue and support.

📣 Action Step for Next Week: Schedule a quick check-in with educators—whether through a short survey, a five-minute staff meeting update, or an informal chat.

The Bottom Line

Peter DeWitt’s advice is straightforward: prioritize, clarify, and commit. The districts that make the biggest impact aren’t doing the most; they’re doing what matters most. The good news? You can start making these shifts next week—and KickUp is here to help.

Take a look at the full video of Peter DeWitt at KickUp Labs here.

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