A change is an inevitable and an essential phenomenon for constant improvements. Yet the process of implementing a change is not easily received. In an educational organization, the opposition to a change gets intense as the extent of application is not only to the different levels of management, but also to the students. At times it gets extended over to the parents as well. Successful implementation of change requires a methodical approach, and it involves the seven step model. These steps include assessment, entry, diagnosis, planning, action, evaluation and termination (Palestini 2011). The clinical strategy and a growth-centered strategy are also two other types of approach methods to instigate a change.
Guided reading is only one component of the total balanced literacy program, but it is a very important one (Rog 2003). Thus a reading program has to be an integral part of every educational organization.
Effective implementation of reading program is based on three important aspects: Professional development of the trainers, efficient instruction resources and school systems which can sustain a change. The action plan, viability and prioritizations have to be tabulated for each aspect. An acknowledged person or group should be elected and appointed to verify and make decisions and act as a catalyst for the program to ensure minimum resistance from fellow peers. Time and money are necessary elements and have to be wisely utilized. The goals should be realistic and should not over burden the subjects involved.
The program should be considered for ethical problems like falsification, data misuse, forcible manipulation, target conflicts and technical incompetency. Finally and most importantly, after initiating the change, its efficiency should be evaluated to ensure its continuation even in the absence of the program catalysts.
References
Palestini, Robert., (2011). Educational Administration: Leading with Mind and Heart, Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Rog, Lori Jamison., (2003). Guided reading basics: Organizing, Managing, and implementing a
balanced literacy program in K-3, Pembroke publishers.
