Field of Broken Dreams: How Damaged Trust and Failed Induction Weakens the Change Process

Olympia School District, located in a fast growing suburb, attempts to transform Field School, an intermediate school for seven years, into a primary school. As a result, changes in grade level, staff, material resources, and the physical structure must be made. The administration promises assistance with the transition yet the teachers are faced with a lack of materials as well as personal support. The absence of adequate induction to their new position creates a strain in the socialization of the Field School staff. This case presents a multi-faceted dilemma faced by both central office and building level administrators. Professors and students of educational administration can use this case to supplement analysis and discussion of issues related to educational change, trust, and employee induction.