Change: Shared Meaning and Capacity Building are Early Keys to Successful Change

Education has struggled to implement change successfully. Despite the goal of improving practices and building capacity, change initiatives often fail to stick. The reason for this is the lack of shared meaning-making among all stakeholders. According to Marris' research, change cannot be assimilated unless its meaning is shared. Therefore, leaders must involve all stakeholders in the meaning-making process to increase the chances of success.

Leaders spend considerable time and effort processing the change initiative, including considering the financial implications and professional development required. However, if the meaning-making process does not extend to those implementing the change, the initiative is likely to fail. Shared understanding is critical for developing capacity. It is essential to allow educators to unpack the implications, ask questions, and seek a deeper understanding of the change initiative.

While the urgency to improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for students is understandable, poorly implemented change initiatives will not transform outcomes. Instead, they can set an organization back by one to three years and erode trust. Change initiatives require careful consideration, time for research and discussion, and input from all stakeholders.

Axis Education Group is committed to being a thought partner for districts and schools seeking to implement lasting change that significantly impacts the lives of students and staff.