Twelve chapter-length case studies of schools that participated in the Research and Development Utilization (RDU) program are presented to illuminate change management issues. The report is intended for use either as a text or as a book of readings for school professionals. Each chapter is accompanied by questions that are suitable for group discussion of the case. The case studies are organized into three parts, each focusing on a different set of themes or issues in school improvement. The case studies in part two emphasize issues related to leadership and participation, including the roles of school administrators, teachers, and community members, as well as the relationship between teacher participation in the change process and feelings of staff ownership of the change decisions. The case studies in part three emphasize strategies and tactics. These include critical decisions and methods for dealing with or taking advantage of the local context. Finally, the case studies in part four emphasize readiness and contingencies through a discussion of critical events and characteristics of the school and its staff that affect the readiness of the school to accomplish a change program. The final chapter synthesizes all 12 cases. (Author/MLF)