Academic learning standards as reform in an elementary school setting: One school's journey

TL;DRAbstract

Historically, reforms and American schools have been closely intertwined. Currently, another reform, academic learning standards, is being implemented in most classrooms. Since the history surrounding school reform (Labaree 1999, Sarason 1990, Gibboney 1997, Fullan 1997) is not replete with success, it makes sense to question why yet another reform. Implementation becomes a key component of this study. Research portrays implementation as a process in which local actors redefine policy to fit local agendas (Spillane, 1998). Successful implementation requires mutual adaptation in which external policy is adapted to fit local conditions, and local conditions are adapted to fit policy (McLaughlin, 1990). Therefore, the implementation of academic learning standards may require close scrutiny if it is to succeed. The purpose of this study is to document, describe and analyze the journey of students, teachers and a principal in an elementary school in Southeastern Pennsylvania as academic lea

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