Realities of Leading Change: Challenges and Successes of an Innovation Faced by Principals

Limited research examines the process of leading innovative school change from the perspective of principals. In this case study, three school principals implement a novel school model, franchise model schools. Using interviews, the researchers examined the successes and challenges principals experienced while implementing and leading this change. Data analysis revealed three significant challenges leading franchise model schools: (1) low teacher morale at the inception of the model; (2) time management; and (3) alignment among franchise campuses. However, three significant successes surfaced. Franchise principals were able to increase (1) community engagement, (2) autonomy and creativity, and (3) the sharing of best practices. Authors recommend more research context-specific to the school's culture and a principal's level of experience in leading change. Researchers should identify successful innovative schools and examine what change models were used by those principals.