The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

Network level These collectives are united in the Shikshagraha Movement, providing a common method and set of principles for improving student learning experiences.Action level Collectives are multistakeholder partnerships committed to improving the student learning experience in school districts. They encompass missions, which are district and community sub-collectives implementing contextual micro- improvements in schools.Supporting level Mantra4Change and ShikshaLokam serve as co-builders of the movement. They convene the stakeholders (including district- level governments), co-create with collectives, support rollout, and enable standardized reporting and institutionalization of programmes. The movement also has a collective governance structure with a leadership team composed of members from partner organizations. Vision: Shikshagraha envisions an India where every child completes their education (Grades K to 12) in a community- led, locally empowered, continuously improving public school system that values and enhances their potential. Method: Shikshagraha’s “roadmap” for change is co- created with relevant stakeholders ensuring that 1) decision-making is decentralized so that districts can manage and improve their schools autonomously; 2) the agency of principals, teachers, and local leaders is restored such that they drive change independently and consistently; and 3) NGOs, government, educators and communities are unified to work collaboratively for sustainable impact. Partners in Shikshagraha collectives start by co-designing programmes with the government actors and institutions at the state or district levels to drive school improvement. This co-design process is informed by an in-depth study of the geography (current challenges, aspirations, influencing factors, among other factors). A joint programme management unit (PMU) is set up, consisting of representatives from the NGOs and the Public Education Department. The PMU then works with relevant government institutions to train teacher mentors and/or supervisors to design, lead and support micro-improvements in schools and classrooms. They are supported by the PMU through expert-led sessions and workshops, technology-enabled digital learning and school improvement projects, and peer learning circles. This method leads to improvement in school leaders’ practices, school environment, teaching-learning practices and community engagement. Principles: Shikshagraha’s approach is built on four guiding principles: 1) collective action as a catalyst: drive scalable impact through hyperlocal partnerships, uniting civil society, NGOs, educators and government. Change happens when all stakeholders come together, with communities leading the way; 2) decentralization as a cornerstone: recognizing India’s diversity, Shikshagraha advocates for local, context-specific solutions by establishing nested tiers of decision-making. Decentralized solutions ensure relevance and responsiveness to each unique community’s needs; 3) agency at the heart of transformation: empower local communities and school leaders to drive their own educational futures. When individuals take ownership, change becomes tangible and sustainable; and 4) continuous improvement as a mindset: embrace a mindset focused on steady growth, celebrating each incremental step towards greater equity in education. These principles are supported by four key movement values: agency, collaboration, grit and accessibility. Practices: All of the movement’s practices are focused on improving school performance and children’s learning experiences. Shikshagraha has a growing list of micro- improvements co-created with district leaders. These include practices such as parent-teacher meetings, reading hours during the school day, reading “melas” (state-wide reading campaigns) and project-based learning. District and school leaders choose and/or co-create the practices they would like to implement and share data across a national digital platform while they implement them in schools. Collective architecture The collective pathway The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 43