"I have never seen or heard of an excellent school that did not have an excellent principal. In this important new book McLaughlin helps us to understand what it takes to become a genuine expert as a school leader by closely examining how they navigate the challenges involved in leading schools during these turbulent times. For policymakers, district leaders, parents and others who want to see more progress in the effort to improve our nation's schools, this book will be an invaluable resource."

Pedro A. Noguera, Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Development, Executive Director, Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools, New York University

"This book is a rare blend of practice and solid academic work. Dionne McLaughlin’s writing shows that she 'talks the talk because she has walked the walk.' As a former elementary and secondary school site administrator. She navigates some of the most difficult and dangerous waters in school site decision making today. In the process of unpacking the nature of difficult decisions, she has not only created powerful exemplars that others can follow, but has erected models that will serve as fount of motivation and inspiration."

Fenwick W. English, R. Wendell Eaves Senior Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership, School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"This book provides administrators with real stories from those working in school administration. As an administrator, I found the book to be an excellent read."

Nicky Kemp, Assistant Superintendent, North Callaway R-1 School District, Kingdom City, MO

“Agile and inspiring principals remain key to lifting America's schools, to accelerate our progress in narrowing disparities in student learning. Dionne McLaughlin vividly describes the everyday challenges that face principals – coaching mediocre teachers, trying to engage dissident kids, inspiring teachers to collaborate and labor as eager professionals. It’s a masterful volume, offering ethical tenets and helpful tips for aspiring principals, a riveting balance of practical case studies and sound theories of leadership. Insights is a must read for future school leaders, policy makers, and reformers.”

Bruce Fuller, Professor, University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Education

“In Insights: How Expert Principals Make Difficult Decisions, Dionne McLaughlin describes a sensible and cohesive approach to decision making and includes case studies of actual situations faced by real principals. McLaughlin provides useful information and guidance for busy principals who make a multitude of decisions on a daily basis. Insights is a valuable resource for new and aspiring principals as well as experienced principals.”

C. Diane Payne, Director, Principal Fellows Program, Center for School Leadership Development, Chapel Hill, NC