Change Process
What It Is
The school change process involves implementing a new curriculum, program, process, or practice in order to improve student outcomes. For change to be successful, it is necessary for teachers to change their behaviors, values, or beliefs. This requires a trusting, supportive environment; a shared vision; professional development; monitoring and feedback; and continued assistance. It also requires time: time to plan; time to learn and practice new strategies for instruction; and time to reflect on and discuss these strategies and student learning.Why It Matters
Because of increasing demands for accountability and increased achievement, our schools and educational systems are in a constant state of change. In the past, school change was often seen in terms of getting a new program or curriculum. Schools seemed to equate this acquisition with change when actually there was none because teachers didn’t modify their behaviors and practices even though a new program or curriculum was adopted.We have learned that change is a process, often taking years, and that it happens most easily when all levels of an educational system are involved in the process. Without change in instruction, values, or beliefs, there can be no improvement in student achievement.