CULTIVATING SCHOOL CHANGE REQUIRES STRONG LEADERSHIP. Effective principals know the value of observing reform strategies that are underway at similar schools, talking with other principals, and adapting innovative ideas to the needs of their own schools. Good principals work hard to empower their staff members and find ways to get multiple parties involved in supporting new ideas. As school leaders, they create and sell the message that the focus of any initiative is on students and student achievement. Although these principals are quick to note that collaboration makes success possible, an observer can easily see that it is the principal’s vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force behind any reform effort. What is it about the leadership qualities of these principals that makes change possible?