Santa Fe, New Mexico, December 21, 2015: The Fiscal Policy Studies Institute and Clear Impact are pleased to announce the release of Mark Friedman’s new book, “Turning Curves: An Accountability Companion Reader” (Turning Curves). During the first two weeks of its release, Turning Curves was the #1 New Release in Public Affairs and Administration on Amazon.com.
Turning Curves is a companion reader for the book “Trying Hard Is Not Good Enough,” (Trying Hard) recently released in its 10th anniversary edition. Trying Hard has sold almost 50,000 copies and is now used in countries around the world. It presents a data-driven decision making model known as Results-Based Accountability (RBA) or Outcomes-Based Accountability (OBA). The model provides a set of methods that can help government and nonprofit agencies produce measurable improvements for customers and the communities in which they work. It replaces a whole bookshelf of jargon laden and burdensome planning frameworks. The London Guardian called it “Simple, Common Sense, Jargon free.”
In this latest volume, Mark shares some of his writing from the last 10 years, and selected writings from colleagues around the world who are putting RBA/OBA into practice. It’s a combination of success stories and practical advice, with a few controversial discussions on topics like teacher evaluation and social impact bonds.
Recent Praise for Turning Curves:
“A treasure trove of useful insights. An essential volume for anyone working to implement government or nonprofit accountability at any level.”
Phil Lee, President, Clear Impact
“Trying Hard is Not Good Enough” is the book I always return to when the going gets tough. I value its simplicity, clarity of purpose and its impact on improving outcomes. This newest book is a great addition.”
Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services, City of Leeds, England
“Overall, this is a great book! I learned a lot more about RBA. There is so much variety that everyone will find something interesting and useful.”
Kayleigh Weaver, Communications Manager, Clear Impact.
The reader is made up of more than 80 essays including:
- The Vermont Accountability Compact
- The Leeds Story by Nigel Richardson
- How outcomes saved my life by Mike Pinnock
- The simplest way to implement RBA
- Using data for improvement not punishment
- How to measure the success of community level strategies
- Creating Collective Impact using RBA
- How to build a performance foundation in your organization
- The problem with pay for performance in government
- The right and wrong ways to measure the performance of teachers
- Next Generation Contracting for funders and grantees
- When infrastructure is the customer
- Results based budgeting and least harm budget cuts
- The performance of Administrative services, Arts organizations, Advocacy organizations, Partnerships…………and many more
The book is available on Amazon.com and, at a lower rate, on Clear Impact website.
Leave A Comment