What information does Mr. Irwin need to consider before proceeding?
Page 1: Stages of Implementing Change
Although Mr. Irwin still has a lot to learn about the RTI approach, he knows that implementing this type of school-wide change requires a systematic process. This module presents one approach to school-wide change. Keep in mind that there are other methods for infusing the RTI approach into a school.
Mr. Irwin will adhere to the change process depicted in the figure below. This process will enable him to systematically lay the foundation for implementing the RTI approach at Mayflower Elementary. In this way, Mr. Irwin will avoid moving to the implementing the plan stage prematurely and, therefore, will maximize the probability that RTI will be effective at Mayflower. The five stages in the change process are:
- Becoming informed
- Building support
- Creating an action plan
- Implementing the plan
- Evaluating implementation
As demonstrated by the figure above, the process of school-wide change is cyclical. Once a school has advanced through the final stage (i.e., evaluating implementation), the data will indicate areas in which the school needs to improve. These areas, in turn, become the topics on which the school needs to become more informed or knowledgeable, and thereby the process begins again.
Pearl Sims, PhD
Former Director, Leadership Development Center
Vanderbilt University
