The aim of this study was to determine the need of change in primary schools and to reveal out the principals' experiences during the change process by taking the total quality management practices into consideration and finally give suggestions according to the results of the study. In this study by employing qualitative research method, semi structured interview technique was preferred. The sample of the study was composed of the school principals whose schools both received and could not receive Total Quality Management Award during the 2009-2010 academic year in Bornova, Buca, Gaziemir, Karsiyaka provinces of Izmir. The findings of the study revealed out that teams were formed up, documents were prepared, but the teams in the schools that took awards worked more actively than the teams in schools that did not take any awards. The principals in the schools with awards mentioned that they were aware of the works of the teams and provided the required equipment for these teams.