| The purpose of this study was to examine the processes utilized in the implementation of the Community for Learning program, to analyze the impact of this program on organizational change and to review the sustainability of the program elements in three rural schools. The Community for Learning program is included on the Federal list of comprehensive school-wide reform models.; Data collection included semi-structured group interviews, individual interviews and document analysis. Multi-site case studies were developed to analyze and compare implementation strategies and the impact of the model in these schools.; This qualitative study provided knowledge regarding teachers' experiences during the implementation phase and the sustainability of model components after implementation. The interviews and document analysis were utilized to determine the significance of organizational change and the strategies of implementation processes used in the three rural school contexts.; Findings suggest that leadership is a key factor in facilitating effective implementation of the model. Evidence suggests that implementation of the model contributed to changes in the organization, instructional strategies, teacher teaming, and parent involvement. Sustainability of model components also exists in the school sites after the implementation phase. |
