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 Dr. Vincette has been laying some good groundwork in understanding the organization she is now leading in attempts to surface the problem areas and start to build relationships through conversations with key stakeholders. She should analyze the stated concerns, questions and frustrations of all stakeholders and determine a root cause of this unhealthy climate.
