Using Reform: Conceptualizing District Initiative

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of district use of state reform. Past research suggests that local districts will comply minimally with mandates and respond to inducements with varying degrees of opportunism. Active use entails anticipating state responses or doing more than the state requires. Evidence is presented to illustrate that active use does exist. Existing research suggests that active users have the will and the capacity to respond positively. Will comes from a dominant coalition that believes it can set its own agenda and sees the reforms as ways to meet its own ends. Capacity comes through the formation of a temporary system that effectively manages key change functions and linkages with local schools.