All editions of Educational Administration: Theory, Research, and Practice have been based on three assumptions about the study and practice of educational administration: • A substantive body of knowledge about educational organizations is available but often neglected by both professors and administrators. • An open social-systems model of schools provides an overarching and useful conceptual framework that organizes and relates this theory and research for educational administrators. • Administrative practice can become more systematic, reflective, and effective when guided by sound theory and research. Consequently, all editions, including the current one, have summarized and analyzed the relevant knowledge and demonstrated its utility in solving problems of practice. We owe a large debt of gratitude to our students and colleagues, who have helped us anchor our theories and research in the real world of practice-the book has benefited greatly from their thoughts and suggestions.