Here is the first book in a two-volume series designed to help those working, or preparing to work, as education change agents in developing countries. Each volume describes an approach to education reform that is: (1) Political and empirical; (2) A series of choices rather than a single best approach; (3) Implementation-centered; and (4) Evaluation-focused. This book will help change agents acquire a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the policy process and how it can be influenced. Volume I outlines the contexts and processes of reform which is best understood in the multiple contexts of history and system foundation, reform strategy, micro-organization, socio-politics, and implementation while avoiding purely technical, political, top-down, or bottom-up strategies. It argues that the best approach to reform is one negotiated by participants in light of the needs and interests of decision-making, implementing, and institutionalizing contexts. The reform process is presented as a series of choices at each stage: (1) Assessment; (2) Goal-setting; (3) Policy decision; (4) Implementation; (5) Evaluation; and (6) Institutionalization. Deep change is more likely when participants are engaged in the change process at each stage. This book will be of interest to all education officials. After a preface and introduction on orienting concepts, this book is divided into two parts: (1) The Contexts of Reform; and (2) Tools and Processes. Also included are: a conclusion; a list of references; an index; and information about the authors.