Change theories provide administrators with helpful insight into the "whys" and "hows" of successful magnet program initiation and implementation. Educational change involves two determining factors: direction (movement) and rate (speed). The actual process of change can be divided into phases of adoption, implementation, and incorporation. Numerous authors writing about educational change address the significant roles of consultants, principals, and teachers in the change process. Different definitions of magnet schools are given as well as a history of contemporary magnet schools. A successful magnet school consists of many components, including community involvement, school leadership, clear goals, adequate parental information, and fair admissions process. Proponents of magnet schools identify numerous positive attributes of a magnet school education, such as the remarkable element of choice, better opportunity to match students' interests, and greater professional satisfaction. (Contains 42 references.) (KDP)