Starting with a concise overview of the origins-and inevitability-of NCLB, Kimmelman then introduces a knowledge framework to build organizational capacity. Acquiring, managing, and using data are key to making informed decision making and empowering everyone in the school-and this increased organizational capacity is key to improving schools.

Implementing change is hard work, and Kimmelman includes lessons in leadership from education, science, and business. The book includes examples of current practices, research, strategies and reflective questions, and action ideas to help leaders and leadership teams move these ideas into practice.