Book excerpt: Systems thinking is a powerful tool that helps school system leaders guide and sustain school improvement. Use this practical guide to implement systems thinking in your school system today! The first section of this book is a concise description of systems thinking. The second section examines 48 key questions to guide leaders as they transform their school systems, including: _ Do the board, superintendent and employees accept that 94% to 97% of the school systemOs problems are caused by the system? _ Have your school systemOs staff members agreed upon the elements of powerful instruction? _ Do all the employees know how their jobs contribute to the success of the system? _ Is there a systemic, structured and measurable process for recruiting, interviewing and hiring employees in your district? Discover how to guide your school system in continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, strategic planning and more.