An exploration of the variables that contribute to the improvement of literacy instruction in large urban school districts. The text grew out of a five-year initiative known as The Dallas Reading Plan - a 50 million dollar collaborative effort between area business and corporate interests, philanthropy, and the Dallas Independent School District. Features include: an analysis of systemic reform factors from the varied viewpoints of key stakeholders (such as change management experts, university scholars, school leaders, teachers, and educational researchers) involved in the improvement of urban literacy education in a major school district; concise reporting on the effects of long-term teacher development programmes built upon scientific research; quantitative and qualitative research data on the improvement of teacher performance in literacy instruction gathered over a five-year period. ; a candid analysis of behaviours that can enhance, restrain and/or destroy systemic reform efforts in urban settings; insights into the benefits of principal training as part of creating effective school-wide literacy programmes; and data showing that previously ineffective teachers can become effective literacy educators through deep and sustained professional development.