The change process can be described as a cycle consisting of 5 phases: invention, diffusion, decision, adoption-rejection, and consequences. Poor communication between inventor and user is probably the weakest point in the educational system. Most innovative decisions are made by the school system rather than individual teachers. Characteristics of small school situations, such as limited financial and faculty resources, physical isolation, and apathetic community attitudes toward education, contribute to a slow rate of acceptance of innovation. Sharing services and pooling financial resources may permit small schools to initiate more innovative programs. Educational research and development should focus on producing innovations designed especially for the conditions of small and rural schools. (JH)