In a context of increased politicization led by state and federal policymakers, corporate reformers, and for-profit educational organizations, Critical Perspectives on Education Policy and Politics explores a new vision for leading schools grounded in culturally relevant, advocacy, and social justice leadership theories. This timely volume tackles the origins and implications of growing accountability for educational leaders and reconsiders the role educational leaders should and can play in education policy and political processes. Examining the structural, political, and cultural interactions among school principals, district leaders, state, and federal policy actors, this text provides practical and aspiring leaders with the theoretical framework and practical strategies for building bridges between education researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.