This book analyzes educational management in the context of developing effective schools in SouthEastern European countries and situates the discussion within ongoing education debates in EU countries. The book revolves around the specific role and practices of school principals, who are positioned as a nexus of educational management in each school. Presenting innovative research in the field of educational management and effectiveness this volume will be invaluable for a range of education specialists. Chapters include: (1) School Effectiveness and Educational Management: Editorial (Nikša Alfirevic, Josip Burušic, Jurica Pavicic, Renata Relja); (2) School Effectiveness: An Overview of Conceptual, Methodological and Empirical Foundations (Josip Burušic, Toni Babarovic, Marija Šakic Velic); (3) School Principals, Environments and Stakeholders: The Blessings and Heresies of Market Organization (Jurica Pavicic, Nikša Alfirevic, Goran Vlašic, Zoran Krupka, Božena Krce Miocic); (4) Schools, Local Communities and Communication: Above and Beyond the Stakeholders (Sanja Stanic, Darko Hren, Ivanka Buzov); (5) Managing the School: Principals as Managers (Dijana Vican, Nikša Alfirevic, Renata Relja); (6) Principals' Educational Leadership (Dijana Vican, Renata Relja, Toni Popovic); (7) School Governance Models and School Boards: Educational and Administrative Aspects (Ina Reic Ercegovac, Morana Koludrovic, Andreja Bubic); (8) The Democratic Context of School Governance: External and Internal Stakeholders' Perspectives (Marita Brcic Kuljiš, Anita Lunic); and (9) School Effectiveness and Educational Management: Toward a New Research and Public-Policy Agenda (Nikša Alfirevic, Josip Burušic, Jurica Pavicic, Renata Relja). Contributors Bios and an index are also included.