Module 3: Define the Focused Aim

Authored by:

Kristina Spannbauer, MA - NIATx Communications

Answer Three Questions to Develop a Focused Aim

The Focused Aim helps your change team determine the specific focus of your change project. Conducting a NIATx change project relies on rapid-cycle testing, so your focused aim can’t be too big or too small. Module 3 helps you choose a manageable and impactful focused aim for your change project.

Three Questions to Define Your Focused Aim

In Module 2: Define the Big Aim, you identified the larger issue you’re looking to change. Module 3 helps you determine the focused aim by asking three questions:

What is the problem or issue you are facing? (the Big Aim)
What is the process?
Who is the customer? (NIATx Principle #1)

Step 3: The Focused Aim. An illustration of a man and woman sitting at a table in front of a bullseye.

Forming the Focused Aim Statement

With the problem, process, and customer identified, structure your focused aim as follows:

We want to improve issue (A) – low parent attendance in our Family Engagement Program,
As seen in process (B) – our parent communication process,
Which impacts customers (C) – parents and caregivers of school-aged children.

Having your focused aim written in this clear and simple format will serve as a compass for your change project journey.

ACTION ITEM: Define your focused aim. Add the focused aim statement to your Change Project Charter.

Before You Go

Prefer a live, interactive learning experience? Join a NIATx CLA webinar series, held regularly throughout the year.

Includes access to the full eLearning course
Includes follow-up coaching with a NIATx coach
Earn NAADAC CEs!

Register now for the NIATx Change Leader Academy starting March 12!

Series Schedule: March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 2026 from 1–2:30 PM CT/2–3:30 PM ET

Published:

02/20/2026

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