Getting to Excellent is for everyone - educators, parents, civic leaders - who want students to think sharply, like learning, and have the high literacy skills that will open the path to success in school, work, and life. Using data from her groundbreaking study of diverse middle and high schools, Judith Langer shows us what makes the difference between highly effective schools and typical, business-as-usual schools. This very accessible volume: Provides research-based guidance from schools in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, four states with diverse students and different testing demands. Features many examples of schools in action, identifying particular features that are present in effective schools but don't exist in others. Examines the extent to which teachers and administrators are affected by the larger environment, leading to professional growth or malaise. Includes models for providing rich and exciting learning environments that undergird success for all students. Includes self-inspection checklists to help administrators, teachers, and others place their own school, on the continuum from "typical" to "excellent," and identify areas that need improvement.