that as policy develops it is implemented uncritically by those working in educational institutions. in chapter 1 it was argued that as policy develops it is interpreted, re-interpreted and often challenged as the strategic direction of policy develops into organizational principles and operational practices. such conflicts are more likely where the dominant values expressed within the social-political environment are out of kilter with the values of those actors involved in implementation. wherever there is a values dissonance there is likely to be increased conflict over policy development. however, to what extent is it possible for those working in educational institutions to challenge the values base of stated policy? just as the state may be ascribed some degrees of autonomy whereby state policy does not correspond exactly to economic conditions so too might it be argued that individual educational institutions enjoy a degree of autonomy from the central state?