In the first and second editions of the Relevance of Instructional Leadership, the importance of a new order of business for principals/school leaders is noted. The emphases on the roles of the school leaders as instructional leaders coupled with the heighten emphases on accountability in schools, the challenge of staffing schools, and the increasing diversity of learner needs in schools are contributing factors for the third edition of The Relevance of Instructional Leadership. As early as 2013, Kim Marshall suggested that "the quality of instruction is the single most important factor in student achievement." There is evidence to suggest that instructional leadership is the impetus for "quality instruction." Principals must create, nurture, and support cultures for "quality instruction" of teachers. Principals drive "quality instruction" through effective instructional leadership. The importance of instructional leadership is also standards-based. The roles of the school leaders as instructional leaders are emphasized in the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders and the National Educational Leadership Standards.
It is the intent that the reader will be able to develop and expand knowledge of leadership theory, to understand the roles of school leaders in nurturing positive culture in schools, and to develop and to nurture an understanding of the pertinent strategies in the school improvement processes. The publication is designed for graduate school leadership candidates, principals, central office staff members, and other educators serving in leadership capacities in the K-12 setting. The common prerequisites for graduate candidates are the completion of core courses in Leadership (Educational Research, Curriculum, and Leadership Theory).