GUIDELINES FOR FACILITATING SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS

This paper opens by addressing the emerging need for systemic change i n K-12 school systems, with consideration given to requirements for ne w mindsets on educational change. Given the history of less than succe ssful attempts at educational change, the need exists for a guidance s ystem which helps change facilitators to guide school districts and co mmunities through a systemic change process. The paper describes the c haracteristics and elements of a systemic change guidance system which builds on the principles of process facilitation and systems design. It examines in detail the integral values or beliefs related to facili tation and systemic change, the types of events (sets of activities) t ypically needed, and the processes which form the guidance system. Als o discussed is the process used to create the guidance system. (C) 199 8 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.