This study examined the effects of John Kotter's Eight Steps for Successful Change framework and strategies in systems implementation in a secondary educational environment. Teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of Kotter's strategies used by their administrative team to support positive change were examined. The study evaluated data provided from a survey based on John Kotter's change theory, interviews of secondary teachers who participated in the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) strategies, and collaborative time. The study compared the responses of classroom teachers on a site survey to determine the fidelity of the PLC process and their opinions about the use of John Kotter's Eight Strategies and the effect on student academic achievement through PLCs. The results of interviews with teachers responsible for participating in the Data Team process and who were aware of Kotter's framework to determine if the model worked to implement change were conducted. The outcomes of this study impact the further investigation of ways to use John Kotter's theory of change when implementing new systems into the educational setting and to provide further data to confirm the positive influence of Professional Learning Communities on academic achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]