Transforming Urban Schools for Educational Excellence: A Guide to Moving from Vision to Victory

Transform your school into a place where every student thrives.

Urban schools face unique challenges, but they also hold extraordinary potential. In Transforming Urban Schools for Educational Excellence, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mit L. Foley draws from nearly 30 years of educational leadership to reveal how you can lead authentic, sustainable change grounded in equity, urgency, high expectations, and collaborative community partnerships.

Foley takes you through the essential steps of transformation, including defining a compelling vision, creating powerful coalitions, establishing high expectations, and building equitable systems. He shows you how to ensure sustainability through intentional use of data, restorative practices, and leadership development that outlast any individual.

Discover how to:

• Build a vision that inspires action, not just compliance
• Raise expectations while dismantling gatekeeping practices
• Create restorative systems that heal rather than punish
• Use data to drive change without losing humanity
• Scale small wins into sustainable cultural transformation

Each chapter weaves together real stories, case studies, and research-based strategies that create a roadmap to school transformation. With this practical guide, you'll be able to develop the tools, language, and vision to lead change that endures.