Journal Description

Catalyst for Change is a well-established, national journal that has been in continuous publication since 1970. Sponsored by the National School Development Council, its primary mission is to serve the diverse needs of school leaders including superintendents, principals, central office personnel, teachers, and professors who have an interest in schools and school improvement. Currently, the Catalyst has a circulation of more than 1500 readers. It goes to more than 90 libraries across the country. The content emphasis primarily focuses on research articles and book reviews that pertain to issues impacting the quality of K-12 schools.  Printed twice each year, the Catalyst publishes original, peer-reviewed manuscripts that report innovative approaches to school improvement, educational change, school policy, and professional development. Contributing authors are encouraged to express their judgment freely in professional matters.  The first Penn State edition of the journal will be published early autumn.

Dean, David Monk, and the Chair of the Department of Educational Policy Studies, Jackie Stefkovich, are very pleased that the journal is coming to Penn State University’s College of Education. The Catalyst for Change will join several national journals that are edited here including the American Journal of Education, Leadership and Policy in Schools, and the Education Finance and Policy just to name a few.  I am very enthusiastic about taking on the task of Managing Editor. I have already enlisted the assistance of Dr. Patricia Best, Superintendent of Schools in State College, Pennsylvania as Associate Editor.  I have asked her to take on this role because I believe the Catalyst for Change should be produced by partners from higher education and P-12 education. A strong mission of NSDC is to foster cooperation between public schools and universities. The journal should reflect that cooperation in the editors as well as in the Editorial Board.

Our goals for the journal are simple: produce a high quality, peer reviewed journal that addresses relevant issues for all people interested in school improvement. Build circulation and membership in NSDC. Attract manuscripts from good scholars school-based or university-based.

Click here for more information on the National School Development Council.