The logic behind "continuous improvement" sounds simple--but it takes a skillful leader to make the process pay off. While the logic behind the popular "continuous improvement" process seems simple, the authors' study of schools using approaches based on continuous improvement revealed that skilled leadership is as important as that logic in bringing lasting change. They show, with examples from case studies, three things school leaders did to spur continuous improvement: forge common purpose; be flexible rather than "implement with fidelity;" and develop key dispositions in school adults.