Complexities of the Change Process

Implementing new instructional techniques is never simple - it is often difficult and demanding. It requires an understanding of the complexities of the change process and the ability to lead and manage change and improvement.

In their book, Educational Values and Cognitive Instruction: Implications for Reform (1991, pp. 394-399), Levine and Cooper provide a useful list of factors that support success in implementing new ideas, based on a review of the literature on change and improvement:

1. School-level emphasis

2. Continuing training and staff development concentrating on classroom-level implementation issues

3. Clear and important incentives for participation

4. Avoiding overloading personnel during the change process

5. Stability in teacher leadership and personnel participating in the innovation

6. Clarity and importance in objectives and procedures

7. Change in organizational procedures, routines, and arrangements to support innovation.

8. Leadership by principals and others

9. Clear problem identification, resolution, and coping skills

10. Productive and supportive organizational culture

References