This manual provides analyses of issues on and examples of programs relevant to contemporary school crises. Five authors comment on (1) the administrator's dilemma in school disruptions; (2) a case study of school disruption and the responses of two school administrators; (3) three major clusters of issues relevant to the state of American secondary education -- racism, organizational structures and processes, and professionalism and accountability; and (4) some alternative administrative roles culled from prior discussions. In each chapter, the authors provide an analysis of key issues and describe a series of steps that can be taken to improve current school situations. The action plans suggested are taken from actual or modified versions of plans attempted in various schools throughout the nation. Related documents are EA 004 668 and EA 004 670. (Author/JF)