This paper surveys the recent literature on the implementation of educational innovations and reviews and synthesizes research findings and recommendations for improving educational practices. It focuses on the implementation processes, influences, and effects that are considered to be important variables in educational change, and explores patterns of interaction between external agencies and local school personnel engaged in implementing innovations. The major section of the paper includes a discussion of trends in research on educational implementation. It reviews six models of the change process and presents case studies illustrating these models. It also discusses barriers and facilitators influencing the planning and implementation of innovations, and describes the roles of internal and external groups and individuals involved in these processes. The summary and conclusions section emphasizes that the processes of planning and implementation--including communication, training, and assistance--require systematic attention in order to ensure project effectiveness. Finally, it is suggested that greater use should be made of research findings and that collaboration between internal and external groups and coordination of resources are desirable and probably necessary for the effective implementation of educational innovations. (Author/JM)