People resist change out of force of habit, out of fear, and out of hopelessness. Contemporary educators must find ways to overcome each and all of these barriers. A definite plan is needed in advance of any major program change. A good plan should always include: (1) a time schedule that capitalizes on events outside the school, using them as psychological levers to encourage change. Once begun, the innovation must move at a moderate, steady pace; (2) total involvement--meaningful and direct involvement by all those who may be only slightly affected by the change; (3) ways to overcome habit and fear, possibly by identifying a particular group of people to introduce and lead the change and letting the community and/or faculty vote on the proposed change; and (4) ways to overcome hopelessness, primarily by giving the psychological and financial support which is always needed to participating members and assuring them that this support will not be withdrawn. By being aware of these resisting forces, the innovator can develop strategies for dealing with each. (JM)