A case study approach was used to evaluate the statewide reading improvement project in Louisiana called Special Plan Upgrading Reading (SPUR). SPUR emphasized a change agent approach by providing Technical Assistants and small stipends (approximately $5,000) to participating school districts. During the first two years of the evaluation, primarily quantitative data were collected on achievement, services provided, and changes in classroom instruction. The case study approach was used during the third year, examining particularly successful instances of project adoption, to describe how SPUR worked and to explain why it worked. Twelve schools from six local school districts were examined in detail. Evaluators interviewed the local SPUR director, superintendent, principals, teachers, and the SPUR Technical Assistants. Questions involved the major project effect; the key person, event, or situation associated with its success; and suggestions for making SPUR more effective. Some of the conclusions were that (1) change followed a classic adoption-diffusion process, with situations affecting the rate of change; (2) support from the central office was crucial; (3) Technical Assistants were effective both inside and outside the school district; (4) change could be initiated either within or outside the school; and (5) side benefits were significant. (GDC)