An Evaluation of the Implementation of Curriculum Innovation: The Impact of the William and Mary Units on Schools

Abstract

This evaluation study of a curriculum innovation provides a close-up view of two school sites after 3 years of implementing the William and Mary curriculum units. Case study methodology was employed by using multiple data sources, including interview, focus group, document-content analysis, and classroom observation to assess contextual perceptions of impact and institutionalization of the innovation. Findings suggested that the innovation was viewed positively by relevant groups, that the innovation had been integrated into district policies, and that within-system diffusion efforts were underway. However, full implementation of the innovation was hampered by lack of use of the performance-based assessment tasks for improving instruction and for reporting student-learning gains. The study concluded that 3 years of implementation may be insufficient for an innovation to impact the total school culture.