Challenges to Innovation in Japanese Tertiary Educational Institutions : The Case of Advanced CEP

In light of the ongoing developments with the Advanced Levels of the Communicative English Program (CEP), this paper considers some of the background literature that discusses change and innovation in educational institutions. It is argued that change agents should learn as much as possible about the organizational culture of the school. The potential level of political vulnerability that might be experienced by innovators, and the real world needs of the stakeholders should also be identified before implementing reforms. The description of the educational environment, stakeholders and strategies taken in the development of Advanced CEP will hopefully to serve as a reference to potential change agents as they consider ways and means to create improved learning environments at their schools and institutions