Synthesis of the Research on Educational Change: Implementation Phase.

As Pacific educational leaders strive to make their educational systems meaningful for their own island people, lessons can be learned from the research on change. This is the second in a series of three papers on the broad phases of educational change: initiation, implementation, and institutionalization and renewal. The Concerns Based Adoption Model identifies in seven stages the primary concerns of individuals in the process of change, and these can be grouped into three main concerns: (1) concern for self; (2) concern for task; and (3) concern for impact. Interventions exist that are appropriate for each stage of concern. Factors that support implementation are identified as orchestration, shared responsibility, pressure and support, technical assistance, and rewards. Another factor to consider is the "implementation dip," where individuals have given up ineffective practices but have not yet mastered the new strategies. By recognizing that it may take up to 18 months for staff members to incorporate new practices, leaders can create a climate that encourages teachers to risk imperfect early implementation. Throughout the change process, implementers also benefit from the support of external facilitators and an internal facilitator. (Contains 9 references.) (MLF)