"A penetrating analysis of today's whopping school leadership crisis, and a wake-up call for a revolution in principal preparation. Filled with provocative ideas on how to address the demands for unprecedented improvement in student performance." --Jerome Murphy, professor of education and former dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"The Principal Challenge does a brilliant job of chronicling the failure of our school districts and our schools of education to prepare school principals for the job ahead. This book is both a stimulus for action and a handbook of new models for leadership development. Everyone who wants public education to succeed should read it." --John C. Fryer, Jr., superintendent, Duval County Schools, Florida and former commandant, National War College

"This panoramic view of the principalship is powerful. Not only does this book present issues few are willing to openly discuss, it lays out solutions. It is a must-read for everyone interested in the future of our kids." --Patricia A. Harvey, superintendent, Saint Paul, Minnesota Public Schools

"For too long, the heart of educational leadership has been neglected. This book provides a welcome transfusion. The coeditors are obviously well grounded in both theory and practice. Their critique of schools of education is right on target." --Terrance Deal, Irving R. Melbo Scholar, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California

"The Principal Challenge represents a ray of hope and a voice of reason for principals, who are under enormous pressure from states, localities, and communities to produce results in demanding circumstances. There are few jobs today with as many and as divergent responsibilities as that of a principal. A new vision of the principalship is required, and The Principal Challenge delivers." --Maria Tukeva, principal, Bell Multicultural High School, Washington, D.C.

"The strategies in this book come down to one simple piece of advice: offer better preparation for the future leaders of our schools." (American School Board Journal, 4/03)