In discussing the improvement of schools by using research and development findings, two different outcomes of a change program are considered. One is the effective implementation of new programs through use of available knowledge. The second is the broader issue of achieving school improvement through making the organization more healthy, the school a more pleasant environment in which to learn, and the patterns of leadership more effective. Three fundamental decisions to be made in implementing any change program, whether it is locally designed or imported from the outside, are examined: (1) Can the district or school design its own program or will it elect to adopt one from an outside source? (2) Will funding be from local or external sources, how much outside expertise is needed, and can local personnel administer the program? and (3) What should local personnel do to implement the program? (JD)