Ask almost any principal why he or she feels called to this vocation. Why select a leadership role with endless demands and a relentless pace? The principal will tell you that he or she took on this daunting task to make a positive impact on the lives and education of children, to be an instructional leader. This is a noble goal that is all too soon mired in the realities of school management. The job becomes one that may only be focused erratically on leading instruction. This occurs despite inspirational stories about a few great leaders in schools who have elevated their leadership above the common experience. Research tells us what will lead to the creation of great instructional leaders. The challenge is to heed