This case addresses a typical context faced by a new urban principal. Under the former principal, the school had several years of average academic success. Consequently, the superintendent appointed the new principal to significantly improve the success of the highly diverse elementary school. Although the new principal has been well trained and has had experience under a successful principal, she understands that her challenges are formidable. In response, she has been building trust and relationships with the staff, teachers, and parents, but now she must develop a yearlong improvement plan, as must the students who use this case in their coursework.
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