Vision as the compass -- Navigating in "hidden history" -- Lessons learned from previous explorers -- Developing professional learning communities for a productive journey -- Instructional, curricular, and assessment leadership : the helmsman in action -- Improving student learning through supervision and professional development -- Managing human and material resources to promote a thriving organization -- Emotions as a gateway to learning -- Understanding and working with change : new roads and detours -- Policies, full service counseling, and crisis interventions that support students -- The schoolhouse and central office working together -- Parents and the greater community : partnering for student success -- Working with the media -- Balancing professional and personal lives : keeping fit for the journey -- The crucial first steps on the road to success -- Final thought.