Abstract
This case traces the involvement of a principal of an Early College High School
(ECHS) and her understanding of performance of Latina students attending the
school. Latina students are the lowest academic performers in the ECHS, despite
the school obtaining high accolades in terms of accountability. To best understand
the phenomena of underperformance of Latina students, the principal hires a
consultant. The consultant discovers aspects of the ECHS and aspects of schooling as
experienced by the Latina students that contribute to underperformance. The case
raises important issues for aspiring leaders, making it an excellent example of the
complexities embedded in student achievement.