This case study examines ways to improve schools through "democratic accountability." The study investigated strategies that were used by a principal to increase staff and student expectations in a low-performing middle school. Information was collected through interviews and surveys with school stakeholders at all levels of involvement. The article concludes by raising issues for leaders regarding building the capacity of schools to sustain improvement. I would have never thought this school could be turned around so quickly. (Superintendent, school climate survey) This school was the "wild west" when the new principal arrived. I thought it would take years to get under control-boy was I wrong! With great enforcement of rules for both teachers and students, with a facilitative structure of leadership, and with everyone (students, teachers, and parents) knowing what was expected, life became very good!

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, on 18 March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the immediate closure of schools in England. (The closure was not absolute: schools would remain open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. In practice, though, very few children have continued to attend.) In what follows, nine English teachers reflect on their experience of teaching under lockdown. KEYWORDS Teaching online; Covid-19; access and equality; lockdown *All pseudonyms, used so that the teachers who have contributed to this could reflect honestly on their experiences.

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The purpose of the article is to affirm that there is a proper role for despair and anger in the development of a Christian spirituality. Persons dealing with chronic or terminal disease will often experience feelings of despair and anger. Yet traditional understandings of faith and worship often ignore the role of pain and agony in human life, resulting in a situation in which those who are broken and hurting feel they have no place. A survey of Scripture, and particularly the psalms of lament, will demonstrate that feelings of anguish are an honest expression of the biblical faith, and distraught believers need to be heard and affirmed, not labeled as unfaithful. One can respond to the question of God’s presence at times of human suffering by developing a rational theodicy, or subjectively by developing a spirituality that recognizes the reality of human anguish. Focusing on the crucifixion event provides helpful insight in the attempt to enunciate a more inclusive spirituality encompassing the shadow side of life. The works of Soren Kierkegaard go even further, demonstrating not just a possible role, but a necessary role that despair plays in the development of faith. The article is written with reference to persons dealing with issues of chronic and terminal illness, with particular reference to William E. Hull.

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