Change is a messy, nonlinear process. Given this, learn to accept partial success and partial knowledge about how well the change effort is working. Celebrate the small steps while checking to ensure they're leading toward the larger goals. Change also takes time. A commitment of less than four years, minimum, isn't a true commitment.
Reform is achieved in two interrelated ways from within and without.
Insiders must not view all reformers as interlopers nor should they be afraid to ask those same necessary, hard questions about reformers' intentions, commitments and agendas. Since students are at the center of all reform efforts, all reformers inside and outside must spend meaningful time with them and their parents, families and neighbors. Reformers who drive to the school and spend all their time in its meeting rooms or within the four classroom walls won't ever realize true reform. Marie Ann Donovan is an assistant professor of early childhood and reading education at DePaul University. Independent coverage of Chicago school reform since 1989.