The change process is described in this text which examines the historical, social and economic influences on education policy reform. Chapters look at cross-cultural experiences of educational change and policy implementation as the authors lead us to an understanding of processes and forces involved. The three themes covered in this volume are: politics and reform; politics into policy and policy implementation; and educational reform phenomena. The authors argue that change takes a predictable format and, once understood, can be directed and managed.; This text is intended to be of interest to those involved in the planning and implementation of change and, along with Volume 2 "Case Studies in Educational Change", point the way to effective management of such change processes.