Research has found that effective schools can be distinguished from less successful counterparts by five characteristics. These are: strong instructional leadership; high expectations for all students to learn; an orderly and positive learning environment; a carefully developed instructional focus; and regular measurement of student learning.…

Case studies of four long-term rural Oklahoma superintendents, including interviews with community leaders and school district personnel, identified characteristics and attributes that have contributed to the success of these superintendents: effective leadership and communication skills, an acute sense of community awareness, active involvement…