Although Figure 1 displays the six developmental stages as linear and distinct, change is unlikely to follow a linear path. They do not recognize that the system is fundamentally out of sync with the conditions of today's world. New knowledge about teaching, learning, and organizational structures has not been incorporated into the present structure. They try new ways of teaching and managing, generally in low-risk situations. These new ways are generally accepted.
Key leaders begin to envision even better systems.
Key Elements to Change As schools, districts, and states move through the six developmental stages, six elements of the education system seem to be particularly important. Monitoring these six elements can help us understand an education system's progress. The vision that people have of an education system and what it should accomplish must change in order for the system to change. Through the stages of development, the number of people from different groups who agree on the shape and purpose of the new system increases. As the vision develops and is translated into practice, the support of the public and of the political leadership at all levels of the system must grow.