At points of instability in a system--whether a school, community, or any other social system--there is the opportunity for breakdown or breakthrough. In that moment of opportunity arises the possibility for significant change through the emergence of new norms or standards of behavior that reflect the evolving values of the larger group. What makes the essential difference between breakdown and breakthrough in a social system is leadership. A breakthrough to new norms and values requires the kind of leadership that creates a climate of trust; makes it safe to experiment; and encourages--even rewards--innovation and experimentation among the many networks of relationships that exist within the system. This is what the Rethinkers: Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools, a new group composed of students with similar experiences and under the wise and supportive guidance of some very committed community organizers, artists, architects, media experts, and educators from New Orleans and around the nation, is inspiring in New Orleans schools. This culture of innovation is resulting in positive changes throughout the system. In fact, the Rethinkers are forging new norms informed not only by respect for student voices in educational reform efforts but also by a growing ecological awareness that extends empathy to all living systems. They are showing how a culture of innovation can be cultivated on the grounds of emotional, social, and ecological intelligence, which, in turn, fosters positive new norms throughout a school system. They meet in school clubs throughout the academic year and, over the past five years, have gathered every summer, concluding each year with a news conference at which they've announced recommendations for how New Orleans schools should rethink bathrooms, food and cafeterias, and a myriad of policies and practices to promote a climate of dignity and respect. (Contains 15 notes.)