This book, based on the author's theory of "success emulation," presents 12 detailed lessons for school districts in adopting principles and practices that have worked for the best-run companies in America. Each lesson presents a step-by-step practical guide for achieving excellence in education by explaining what businesses are doing to achieve a high degree of success, describing what school districts can do to profit from observing business strategies, and outlining a variety of specific strategies that can be used by school districts to achieve excellence. The twelve chapters are: "Support School Champions"; "Adopt a Suggestion Program"; "Move from Philosophy to Culture"; "Intensify and Personalize Communications"; "Reach Decisions by Consensus"; "Become Close to Kids"; "Give New Emphasis to Training"; "Make Sure Superintendents Are Generalists"; "Hints for Achieving Excellence"; "Recognize and Reward Excellence"; "Achieve Excellence through Teams"; and "Give Teachers Autonomy and Encourage Intrapreneurship." The book cites the sources for lesson materials in an appended notes section, provides a glossary of key terms, and includes a five-page bibliography and an index. (IW)