Leadership in America's Best Urban Schools describes and demystifies the qualities that successful leaders rely on to make a difference at all levels of urban school leadership. Grounded in research, this volume reveals the multiple challenges that real urban elementary, middle, and high schools face as well as the catalysts for improvement. This insightful resource explores the critical leadership characteristics found in high-performing urban schools and gives leaders the tools to move their schools to higher levels of achievement for all students-but especially for those who are low-income, English-language learners, and from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. In shining a light on the essential qualities for exceptional leadership at all levels of urban schools, this book is a valuable guide for all educators and administrators to nurture, influence, support, and sustain excellence and equity at their schools.

"We have known for many years that leadership matters, and in this important new book we learn what school leaders do to make a difference for all children in urban schools. For educators, policymakers, and parents looking for ways to improve schools, this book will be an invaluable resource." -Pedro A. Noguera, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Education, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, UCLA