To change American high schools, new collective imagination is needed. In an age where the word "teenager" or "adolescent" often inspires fear or frustration, leaders must overhaul the public's attitude about their high school students. In a time when many teachers believe their efforts cannot overcome poverty and other barriers to learning outside the classroom, leaders must challenge educators' accepted wisdom. In a system where some students are labeled "college material" and others "noncollege material," leaders must make an unshakable commitment to graduate every child ready for life beyond the diploma. No single, simple solution will incite the type of change that is needed. Approaches to reform vary widely depending on the needs of schools, districts, and communities. Nevertheless, the essays contained in this volume demonstrate that there are common themes when it comes to effective high school transformation. Collectively, the authors of these essays convey the messages that leaders need to set clear, high expectations for all students; improve instruction through a targeted focus on literacy and math; select, train, and support quality teachers and school leaders; and build broad-based enthusiasm for change through proactive community engagement. The essays included this volume are: (1) Caring Enough to Lead: Reforming America's High Schools (Richard W. Riley); (2) Every Student Ready for College (Melinda French Gates); (3) Leading by Example (Vartan Gregorian); (4) Cultivating High School Leadership: Theory in Action (Wendy Kopp and Abigail Smith); (5) Repainting the Canvas: The Changing Artistry of the Principalship (Gerald Tirozzi); (6) A Recipe for Successful Schools (Jonathan Schnur); (7) Leadership for Learning (Richard Laine); (8) Ask the Right Questions: Rethinking High School Reform (Dal Lawrence); (9) What Can You Be When You Are No Longer the "Dynamo of Dixie"? (Dan Challener); (10) Mayors Must Make Better High Schools a Top Priority (Ron Gonzales); (11) The San Jose Unified School District Story: Implementing a College-Ready Curriculum for All (Linda Murray); (12) Setting High Expectations for Denver Public Schools (Jerry Wartgow); and (13) High School Reform: An Urgent Priority in a Changing Economy (Mark Warner).