Identifying an instructional leader as a principal who engages in activities that significantly affect the learning that goes on in the school, this article profiles an elementary school principal recognized by the Oregon Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development as one of the state's most effective instructional leaders. The author…

Although the general thrust of recent education reports and studies--to strengthen the academic quality of secondary education--has been salutary, efforts fall short of giving clear direction for school improvement in a number of areas particularly important to urban school superintendents. The reports fail to recognize the unique context of urban…