Four papers on responding to diversity in the schools were presented at the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory's Urban School Leadership Mini-Conference. This document presents two, a framework for the discussions by John Attinasi and an exploration of how differences in culture and language affect academic achievement. "Academic Achievement, Culture, and Literacy" by John Attinasi asserts that it is time to take the most crucial aspect of the educator's mission, leadership in educating the children in urban schools and communities, and to renew and advance attention to their achievement in the stressful urban setting. Multiculturalism requires not only a change in curriculum, but accompanying changes in school climate and pedagogy. "Cultural Diversity and Academic Achievement" by Barbara T. Bowman discusses cultural differences in the achievement of poor and minority students. The explanation for the differences in school performance lies in the difference in life experience between groups. Recognizing these differences in assessment of children and in teaching, particularly in the early years, is essential in educating culturally and linguistically diverse students. (The first paper contains 5 references and the second lists 16.) (SLD)