Diagnosis does not need complex frameworks. It needs a shared method. These tools help teams think clearly and stay practical.

Tool 1: The 5 Whys
Ask “Why?” five times, but do it carefully. Stop when the next “why” becomes speculation or blame.

Example:

• Pattern: “Year 9 writing declined this term.”

• Why? “Students struggled with structuring arguments.”

• Why? “They had limited practice with planning.”

• Why? “Planning was not built into tasks.”

• Why? “Time pressure pushed us to drafting.”

• Why? “Units were overpacked and pacing slipped.”

Tool 2: Fishbone (cause categories)
Use broad categories so teams look beyond one factor:

• Curriculum and tasks

• Teaching and routines

• Student readiness and needs

• Time and workload

• Systems and structures

• Home and context

Tool 3: Logic chain
Write a simple “if, then” chain:

• If students miss key lessons, then gaps widen.

• If gaps widen, then confidence drops.

• If confidence drops, then avoidance increases.

Key Takeaways

• Use tools to widen thinking, not to prove a point.

• Keep causes descriptive and testable.

• Separate “influence” from “excuse”.

Quick Check

Choose one pattern. Run a short 5 Whys. Stop at the first testable point.