The author argues that teachers, principals and parents can be the most powerful source of innovative ideas for reforming schools and that communication, collegiality and risk-taking among adults in the school can create an atmosphere that encourages learning and leadership for all.

"A humane blueprint for school reform that-instead of starting with a 'deficiency' model of what teachers can't do and giving them 'inservice' workshops ad infinitum-would build on the educational staff's existing strengths."-The New York Times Book Review