Authors: Kerry Friedman, Candice Benge-Steele, Adrienne Woods
https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/297
Abstract
Breakthrough innovation in education requires more than incremental improvement, it demands fundamental shifts in how problems are understood, addressed, and measured. This field note presents a working definition of breakthrough innovation in education as a highly novel advance that redefines entrenched problems, enables significant improvements in learning outcomes, expands participation and access, and/or drives system-level change. Drawing on social innovation literature and education research, we identify five distinguishing factors: discontinuity, substantial improvement in outcomes, system reconfiguration, generativity and new opportunity spaces, and expanded participation with new forms of evidence. Examples including kindergarten, high-dosage tutoring, and Sesame Street illustrate each factor.
Suggested Citation: Friedman, K., Benge-Steele, C ., & Woods, A.D. (2026). ATS Field Note: Breakthrough Innovation. ATS Hub Field Note Series. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/297
This material was developed under IES Award R305N250006 from the U.S. Department of Education. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IES.