When the new superintendent of Orangeburg School District Five was appointed in 1992, he found that Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School graduates did not have the skills to enter the workplace and postsecondary institutions that require high-level academic skills. He identified these three things that Orangeburg would need to do to improve academic and technical achievement: find a principal with energy, dedication, and concern for students; convince the community the school needed to improve; and build faculty commitment and support teachers in holding students to high standards. The superintendent and his leadership team took these steps to raise standards and improve student achievement: made the high school a place where students can learn; raised graduation requirements; provided a special environment for ninth graders to give them a boost as they enter high school; raised expectations at school and in the classroom; provided structure, time, and staff development to support improved student performance; taught in ways that motivate students to learn challenging content; upgraded the vocational program; and strengthened guidance and advisement. Orangeburg's leaders and teachers changed the culture of learning at the high school and technology center. Overall academic performance improved; students took the recommended curriculum; and the high school increased its expectations of students. (YLB)