The format of this book addresses the most salient questions administrators, school board members, and community stakeholders need to ask to ensure academic and fiscal accountability, providing definitions, background information and the current research. Readers will be provided with sufficient knowledge to effectively question the financial expenditures and educational practices within their districts and school buildings. Many times, teachers are provided training with little or no monitoring for actual implementation. This lack of follow-up and follow-through minimizes the positive impact on student achievement. Examples of the different types of data are provided that can be utilized for the analysis and evaluation of progress in district and school level improvements. To elicit collaborative discussions and support the development of district action-planning, reflective questions are also included. Chapters include: (1) Introduction - Creating a Sense of Urgency; (2) Professional Development - Training that Works; (3) Library-Media Specialists - Is Reading Improvement Really One of Your Goals?; (4) Gifted and Talented - Our Lost Generation; (5) Early Childhood Education - Tomorrow's Future Today; (6) English Language Learners /English Second Language - Are We Speaking a Language of Success?; (7) The Arts: Music, Art & Drama - The Other Half of Ready, Ingredients for a Whole Person; (8) Physical Education and Student Wellness - As Strong as Our Weakest Link; (9) Student Support Service - Personnel and Programs - One Part Intellectual, Two Parts Social and Emotional; (10) School Safety - NOT an Optional Activity; (11) Extended Learning Programs - Before School, After School, Saturday & Summer - Can More Be Better?; (12) Leadership: School Boards, Administrators, Teacher Leaders - Changing Roles for a Changing World; (13) Teacher, Principals, and Superintendent Shortages - Will ANY Body Do?; (14) Paraprofessionals - Members of the Team: Not Substitutes; (15) Career & Technical - Preparation for the Real World; (16) Technology - "The Future is Now"; and (17) Caution - Changes Ahead (Where To From Here?).