Despite the administrative leadership that most principals receive in university courses, their most useful learning doesn't occur until they are on the job. The new knowledge--much of it the result of trial and error, success and failure--is gained in relative isolation. This book focuses on the critical work of school principals, offering practical wisdom, conceptual ideas, and useful examples from many settings. It provides ideas, strategies, resources, and reflective opportunities for practicing and prospective principals to facilitate educational improvement on a daily basis. Success in the principalship depends on many factors. The book addresses these factors in seven parts, with chapters included under each theme heading. These parts include: (1) the principal's role; (2) critical skills for effective leadership; (3) honoring the school's meaning; (4) working together to build a learning organization; (5) keeping the pipes from leaking: adding meaning to traditional practice; (6) understanding your constituencies; and (7) professional and personal issues. Each chapter concludes with a set of reflective questions. Five figures and three tables are included. Contains 86 references and additional readings. (LMI)