Understanding the Process of Change

		The concept and process of change are the culminating themes of this lesson. It may seem unusual to end our two modules this way, as the need for change has been implied throughout. Yet many of us get complacent when we discuss change, assuming that we understand it well. As you will see, these themes warrant more description.

		In this lesson, you will learn about the complexities of change, and how various researchers and practitioners have created models to describe its patterns. You will notice that there are similarities from one model to the next, but may notice that one model seems to fit experiences you have seen at your own school more than others. The readings for this lesson reinforce the need to involve various stakeholders in the change process and provide some additional strategies for approaching, then sustaining change within schools. The handouts that are provided will help you conceptualize the models as they are discussed. Be sure to print those out before the lesson. As you proceed through this lesson, reflect upon efforts at change at your school, or even in your personal life. Attempt to link the various stages of change to your own experiences to see if these models ring true for you. As you practice applying the models to various situations, you may find you prefer referencing one model over the others.

		The most important concept to learn in this lesson is that understanding change can help you manage it more effectively. That is, understanding some of the patterns and typical challenges in advance will help you prepare yourself and your staff for the tasks at hand, and will prevent you from getting discouraged along the way. Consider how you can use one or more of these models to provide a framework for change at your school.

Using Data for Continuous Improvement