Scholars and practitioners have increasingly recognized the role of culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL). However, few studies have applied recent comprehensive CRSL theoretical frameworks. This in-depth case study explores how a school leader understands and shapes a school culture to be increasingly culturally responsive to students.…

This study reports on four urban middle- and high school principals' emotionally shaped sense making of Race to the Top policies and their ability to balance the competing demands of teachers' emotional needs with the charge to implement mandated, accountability-driven, instructional, and evaluation changes in their schools. Despite the pressure…

Given the increased attention on school-based programs to decrease obesity and emphasize fitness among children, there is an alarming lack of attention on health and wellness of school administrators. This study investigated the work-life balance, health, and nutrition status of secondary administrators in one Midwest state using an online survey.…

This follow-up study presents findings from 11 structured interviews that were conducted with principals engaged in a conversion from a large comprehensive high school to six small schools. Key findings are (a) the greatest barrier to improvement was entrenched instructional patterns and (b) goals of college readiness and social/emotional…

This article reports findings from a study of the experiences of 11 school principals who are leading the conversion of a large, comprehensive, urban high school into six thematic small schools. Specifically, this study addresses the question, What do high school principals identify as the leadership challenges and opportunities embedded in the…

This article offers description and interpretation for understanding the exercise of leadership in teacher collaboration. Data gathered in two urban high schools through observations and interviews were coded and categorized following Miles and Huberman's modified analytic induction technique. The analysis contributes to emerging theory on…

Weick's theory of sensemaking is used to analyze findings from a qualitative study of the implementation of a district-initiated adolescent intervention literacy course in two urban secondary schools. The authors concluded that implementation of the literacy course was hampered because district administrators, building leaders, teachers, and…

In response to problems relating to student appearance, dress, and behavior, most urban schools use various kinds of dress codes or uniforms. African-American youth experience difficulties because of a cultural heritage favoring bold designs and bright colors, efforts to compensate for low socioeconomic status, consumerist exploitation, and…

Law-related education equips students with knowledge and skills pertaining to the law and fundamental legal principles. The most effective programs have building administrators' support, use interactive teaching techniques, contain relevant and balanced subject matter, use community resource people, and encourage self-development. Administrators…

Describes a Tacoma (Washington) high school's efforts to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward fighting. An aggressive communication campaign was used to familiarize parents and students with the new policy. Numbers of violent incidents decreased during the past three years. Two parents who formally challenged the school's expulsion policy lost in…

Principals in urban high schools can play an important role in improving school effectiveness by adopting an educational philosophy that focuses on development of the students' sense of self-worth. (PGD)

Distressed with their district's lackluster performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, staff at Oklahoma City Schools reviewed the program and decided the curriculum was not challenging or motivating enough for students. They then developed and implemented a vastly improved AP program initiative that provided teacher incentives, staff…

During 1987-88, the New York City comptroller allocated $800,000 to city's schools exclusively for promising, replicable parent involvement programs. Article describes successful programs involving two high school districts in Bronx and Staten Island. Success factors include strong administrative leadership, staff accessibility and cultural…

The challenge for all urban administrators, with support from the community, is motivating urban students. Administrators must not try to treat everyone alike but must help teachers and counselors identify students' strengths and weaknesses, establish realistic goals and objectives, and guide students through adolescent development. Writers in…