An uncertain harvest: a case study of implementation of innovation

Abstract

Starting in 1997, a sophisticated, outcomes‐based curriculum was to be implemented in South African schools. This study examines and analyses how science teachers in one rural school responded to the demands of this new curriculum. I consider the capacity of the school and the extent to which outside support and pressure was provided. The levels of implementation are analysed in terms of a proposed ‘zone of feasible innovation’, a hypothetical construct which suggests that innovation should not exceed current practice by too large a gap between existing practice and the demands of the innovation.