Successful Educational Change

In order for educational change to occur, adoption, implementation, and institutionalization much occur.

Adoption – In order for change to be adopted, people need to have a perceived need, clear reasons, and strong buy in. For school improvement efforts to be successful, teachers and administration cannot work alone. Teachers, parents, administration, students and the community must share responsibility. Getting the community involved is one of the most challenging aspects, but an effective leader must try different avenues to reach all members of the community.

Implementation – Proper implementation will be much more successful in change: timelines, shared input, flexibility, communication, evaluation, and clear focus. For example, a team approach is needed to execute change. There must be committment to goals and plan with specific action plans to be followed within a specified timeframe. This being said, flexibility is necessary as plans may need to be altered based upon circumstances. 

Institutionalization -Successful change and buy in has occurred and thus practises become routine. This is likely to create sustainable change.