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The Role of District Leadership in Radical Reform: Philadelphia’s Experience under the State Takeover, 2001-2006

Clearly, leadership is key in the success of any reform, especially one as ambitious and complex as that in Philadelphia. ‘The case of Philadelphia is noteworthy as an examplar of the implementation of paradigm-breaking new reforms in the governance and delivery of urban education.’ This report follows the first 5 years of the state takeover and the role of leadership. It concludes with a discussion of the ways in which the leadership was successful in establishing the legitimacy of the new governance structures, of the leaders themselves, and of their reforms. But also highlights areas that still need work within the leadership structure.