Schools That Work offers a clear view of how schools must change if they are to meet the increased demands of education for the 21st century.

Allington and Cunningham wrote this book because elementary schools are facing increased pressures to develop high levels of reading and writing proficiency for ALL students. This book argues that the only route to that goal is systematic reform that encompasses virtually, all areas of elementary school organization, and planning; with an emphasis on developing the expertise of classroom teachers. At the same time creating an organizational framework that fosters expert teaching in every classroom.

Schools That Work picks up where the coauthor's other book, Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write, leaves off, with a focus on how to craft school organization plans that foster expert classroom teaching.