Many principals feel they lack the personnel necessary to raise student achievement to mandated levels. Yet, as school leaders seek to improve educational outcomes, one of the most underutilized groups remains student support professionals-the counselors, social workers, and nurses already on site. The authors offer a practical approach to creating a fully integrated student support community that contributes to increasing achievement levels. Incorporating research and practical strategies into a broader paradigm of leadership, they offer directives for implementing reform initiatives and rigorously assessing their effectiveness. Bridging theory and practice, this book provides: (1) An examination of emerging models linking student support programs and academic achievement; (2) Guidelines and resources for overcoming barriers to reform; (3) Exercises and suggestions to help start the change process; (4) Cases studies of principals who have successfully integrated their student support services; and (5) An expanded comprehensive support model (CSP) that considers the multi-professional nature of student support activities. Reorganizing existing resources is the most efficient path to school reform. Rather than limiting the counselor or social worker's role, it could be useful in forming a comprehensive support program to help improve school achievement! This book contains six chapters: (1) The Gaping Hole in School Reform; (2) Old Versus New Models of Student Support Programs; (3) Barriers to Creating a Comprehensive Support Program; (4) New Practices Defined; (5) In the Beginning: What School Leaders Can Do about Student Support; and (6) Initiating and Sustaining Change. Also included are acknowledgments, about the authors, Endnotes, References and Index. The appendix contains: Research Methods.