ABSTRACT
When a school employs a systematic approach to change, the change is much more likely to be meaningful and enduring. Change without guidance and planning can result in poor student outcomes, a disgruntled faculty, and a chaotic school climate. When leading change in schools, it is helpful to think about change in three phases: design, transfer and implementation. In the design phase, the school must establish a clear purpose that aligns with the school’s mission and vision. In the transfer phase, leadership must communicate to all stakeholders an authentic and urgent need for change. In the implementation phase of change management, school leaders should think deeply about schoolwide acceptance of change and how to assess the progress and alignment to the school’s strategic objectives. Leaders should recognize that the rate of change adoption will follow a classic S-curve pattern, with innovators and early adopters supporting the change first, followed by late adopters and finally laggards.
