This paper suggests 15 steps school superintendents can take to help close the gap between the educationally disadvantaged and other student populations. Superintendents should do the following: (1) create a vision of what an achieving educational community is; (2) implement goals and strategies which create a positive educational climate; (3) give highest priority to creating the conditions which will attract, retain, reward, and nurture a competent, effective staff; (4) model a research-based approach for the professional staff in designing curriculum and instruction; (5) make instructional program and service coordination a high priority for building principals and staff members; (6) help develop and implement curriculum and instruction which is developmental rather than remedial; (7) help create an early childhood program; (8) ensure availability of appropriate compensatory education; (9) provide leadership in creating an effective policy toward grouping of students; (10) help create an effective policy for identifying and nurturing the educationally disadvantaged gifted and talented; (11) help change secondary schools into healthy, nurturing environments; (12) develop and implement a policy regarding instruction of students with limited or no English; (13) develop a policy regarding equal access to instructional technology; (14) develop a policy for involving parents; and (15) help develop an educative community in which school plays a central, coordinating role. (PS)