In the wake of No Child Left Behind, school systems have been searching for ways to raise student achievement in low-performing schools. Drawing on research from the University of Virginia's unique School Turnaround Specialist Program, the presenter identifies the critical challenges that school leaders must confront and overcome if they are to achieve and sustain school turnaround. The good news is that low-performing schools can arrest the process of decline and boost student achievement, but not without caring, competent, and committed leadership.