Reporting on a study designed to evaluate West Court High School (WCHS, a pseudonym) in Louisiana, this document discusses quantiative and qualitative aspects of the study; the development of interview protocols for the administrators, teachers, students, and parents who participated; and the sociograms developed to assess the interaction patterns among faculty and administrators. A description of study results explores the nature, resolution, and consequences of problems identified at the school. Related school effectiveness factors are described: (1) lack of clarity on educational goals; (2) low expectations regarding academic achievement; (3) inconsistently applied school practices; and (4) inadequate instructional leadership. A sociogram analysis precedes a section on study conclusions that discusses seven factors in school effectiveness literature related to WCHS problems and offers recommendations for school improvement. Last, a context analysis mentions difficulties encountered in sampling former parents and former students. Included are seven tables and one figure. (22 references) (CLA)