Reform is a long and difficult process in which new challenges are encountered daily. How do schools succeed in changing? These "case studies of success" offer a close look at how four comprehensive urban high schools handled school reform (Tech Prep and integrated curriculum) in which vocational education is a key element. The findings underscore the need for adequate time built into the school day for restructuring activities, teamwork across departments and outside the school, support from faculty and district administrators, and for ongoing commitment (as the authors note, "restructuring activities, once undertaken, appear never to end"). Implications for educators involved in reform, and suggestions for future research, are discussed.
MDS-958 / December 1997
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