Years of Transition: Times for Change. A Review and Analysis of Pilot Projects Investigating Issues in the Transition Years. Appendix To Volume Two.

In 1990, the Ontario Ministry of Education implemented the Transition Years project, an initiative for restructuring middle-grades education. This document presents quantitative findings of a study that identified variations in progress among pilot school sites, with a focus on the commitment-building process. Data were derived from: (1) two surveys completed by teachers and administrators in 350 and 319 pilot sites, respectively; (2) a survey of 3,557 students in 147 out of 152 schools; and (3) a survey of principals at 147 out of 152 schools. Staffs at the pilot sites expressed commitment to the project and high levels of satisfaction. This finding supports the argument that building staff commitment is a crucial task, rather than prematurely focusing on students. Findings identify four significant issues that affect variations in program implementation--project purpose, the substance of changes to be made, leadership, and the role of the family. The following recommendations are made for building program commitment: (1) clarify the major purpose; (2) utilize transformational leadership; and (3) encourage parents and community members to assume school-level decision-making roles. (Contains 78 references.) (LMI) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** rs Times A Review and Analysis of Pilot Projects Investigating Issues in the Transition Years olMinistrYEducation and Training Ontario Volume Two Explaining Variations in Progress Principal Investigators Kenneth Leithwood Brad. Cowin' Diane Gerin-Lajole Research Associates Doris Jantzi Peter Joong Laurette Levy This research project was funded under contract by the Minieby of Education and Training, Ontario. It reflects the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the ministry. BEST COPY AVAILABLE 2 '41 A RESEARCH STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING . Years of Transition: Times for Change A Review and Analysis of Pilot Projects Investigating Issues in the Transition Years Volume Two: Explaining Variations in Progress Principal Investigators: Kenneth Leithwood Brad Cousins Diane Grin-Lajoie Research Associates: Doris Janizi Peter Joong Laurette Lavy Thisresearch project was funded under contract by the Ministry of Education and Training, Ontario. It reflects the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ministry.

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