Based on the assumption that the survival of the nation's schools and their leaders depends on these leaders having real influence over the quality of schooling, this volume draws from the work of many authorities to look at leadership from three perspectives: the person, the structure, and the skills. Chapters focusing on the person who holds the leadership position look at characteristics of today's educational leaders, at what makes an effective leader, at the scarcity of female and black school leaders, and at leadership style. The part of the volume focusing on structure looks at the organizational supports that underlie school leadership. It examines school-based management, management support teams, participative decision-making systems, and determinants of school climate. Chapters on leadership skills highlight several abilities administrators must master to be effective leaders in education today. This part of the volume looks at such skills as communicating, leading meetings, managing time and stress, managing conflicts, and solving problems. Practical suggestions for using this information in schools are offered throughout. (Author/JM)