"With a wonderful mix of theory and practice, this volume is for professionals and for lay people, indeed for anyone interested in the crucial questions related to educational leadership in this country. The authors are to be congratulated, and the readers will be grateful for their efforts."
Barry Munitz
President and CEO
JP Getty Trust

This compelling guide masterfully demonstrates how high achievement can exist in the midst of high minority enrollment and high poverty. By drawing upon the best practices of 13 exemplary schools, the book highlights the specific means by which ethnically diverse—namely African American and Latino—students can attain educational success. These "Promising Practices" are presented in a user-friendly, well-organized format, with real examples interwoven throughout.

An invaluable resource, it shares school-tested methods that can be replicated readily, including:

• 7 strategies for principals to be effective leaders, creating a culture of equal learning opportunities for all students
• 8 tactics for successful curriculum and classroom instruction, from assessment to staff development
• 9 proven ways to make meaningful connections with parents, which promote higher student and teacher performance

• As seen at NAESP, NASSP, and AASA over the last two years, Urban School Leadership sessions are typically among the better-attended sessions for principals.
• Greater emphasis on standardized test performance and equity is developing nationally. Sessions at 2001 AERA on equity were SRO.
• Best practices approach
• Lead author has strong ties to Sylvan Learning Systems and to Cal State system.
• Author is former Executive Director, NCPEA (Nat'l Council of Professors of Educational Administration).
• Because urban and diverse themes are a smaller market segment (though obviously rapidly growing, per the recent U.S. census), I prefer the coverage of best practices at all levels of K-12 in one book. There are so few resources; I do not see the more widely-targeted approach affecting sales because educators will buy materials that pertain to them, even if they're getting additional information that may or may not be useful in their schools.
• Because of its emphasis on both leadership and community collaboration, this book is an excellent bundle with several Corwin titles, including Burke/Picus, Developing Community-Empowered Schools, Lindsey et al., Cultural Proficiency, Obiakor, It Even Happens in "Good" Schools, and Epstein et al., School, Family and Community Partnerships.