ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a complex, real-life, accessible case study in expecting the best to provoke and stimulate conversation around practical problems and alternative solutions that confront educational leaders today. These cases cover a wide range of topics, including: teacher evaluations, educational reforms, school safety, cultural differences, undocumented students, and social media. Each case study has three alternative responses written by experienced educational administrators and academics. The respondents were asked to identify the primary problem, along with secondary problems, and to provide a strategy that will address the problems identified. The chapter explains that the Board of Education was appraised of the status of the action plan on a monthly basis during regular public meetings that were well attended by community members. The state monitor was actively involved in every major decision regarding the turnaround effort at each of the schools. The Superintendent and the state monitor established a strong alliance and worked cooperatively and in an open and transparent fashion.
