ABSTRACT
Across the country, discussions continue about how schools can provide a quality educational program for each student. A school's culture reflects deeply held beliefs about students and schooling. Leaders recognize the importance of cultural symbols. They use these symbols to promote the institutional values and the school's core mission. Leaders can set the direction for a school's professional development agenda. It is important that leaders model a commitment to continuous improvement and be active participants in professional development activities. What leaders pay attention to becomes important and it is important that school leaders are clear about their support for increased rigor. Successful advocacy is more than just having a passion for vision to improve rigor. One of the biggest roadblocks to improving instruction in schools is resistance from teachers and families.
