Educators in the United States are being asked to do more with less: school budgets are shrinking, principals are struggling to be instructional leaders in the face of hugemanagement issues, and teachers are trying to meet the needs of increasingly diverse studentsat a time when a standardized, one-size-jus- all curriculum is mandated. The tenor of schools and classrooms is one ofanxiety, stress, and confusion, and at its worst, hopelessness. Why is this happening? What is going on in the world that is affecting schools, teaching, and learning in such profound ways?