A Culture of Experimentation: The Change Process at a Middle School

Abstract

This case study explores the change process at a middle school that made significant changes in the delivery of instruction and programs over a five year period. During this time the school became involved with school reform organizations and developed ongoing outdoor educational experiences for sixth and eighth grade students. The author discovered a culture of experimentation that was primarily responsible for facilitating these changes. Characterized by (a) support for experimentation, (b) shared beliefs, and (c) a feeling of ownership, this culture developed through a unique blend of teacher impetus, leadership from the principal and others, professional development, outside support and funding. These people and resources provided support and encouraged risk-taking among faculty. The author suggests that the development of this “culture of experimentation,” considered in the light of current literature on school change, offers a number of lessons for middle level educators interested in innovation and change.“I have a dream,” said Donna Popper1 to her principal Sara Wilson. An eighth grade math teacher, Donna's dream was to do something other than another “meaningless field trip.” She had decided that the annual eighth grade trip to Vanceton, the state capital, had very little educational value, and this year she wanted to do something “to make a real difference in the students.” She wanted them to go on an Outward Bound trip. Donna had heard about OB working with students from a staff development workshop she had attended and decided that it was an opportunity that their students needed. Sara was open to the idea and gave Donna the support to try and pull it off. Donna brought the idea to the other teachers on her eighth-grade team, and they agreed to the trip on the condition that all eighth grade students would get the opportunity to go. She then called South Western Outward Bound (SWOB), found out the cost, and set out to raise the $30,000 needed. The money was raised, and the first group of eighth-grade students and teachers from Hilton Middle School went on an Outward Bound trip.