The purpose of this mixed-method, descriptive study was to determine the teachers' perceptions who were employed in the target school district from 2003 to 2011, regarding school district second-order change leadership decisions, events, and challenges, and the extent to which equity and access to excellence for all students were achieved. Also investigated was the relationship, if any, that existed in achieving equity and access to excellence based on school district second-order change leadership from 2003 to 2011. Teacher perception data were analyzed from a survey presented to teachers in over 16 schools who had been consecutively employed in the target school district from 2003 to 2011. The findings of this research suggest that teachers' perceptions of specific school district leadership decisions, events, and challenges contributed to improving opportunities for students who historically were not provided equitable opportunities for academic achievement and post high school career advancement. Beginning in 2003, the target school district underwent a leadership transition period in which a new superintendent established history-making goals and objectives for the school district. The findings suggest that based on teachers' perceptions, school district efforts provided for greater access to technology, high quality instruction, specific programs of study such as the implementation of magnet programs, and college preparation courses. The greater access provided the opportunity for equity and access to excellence for all students, especially those who historically lacked access and investment with respect to their demographics (race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity). There were limitations iv to this study. Objectivity may be questioned since the participants were employees of the school district. It was assumed that participants in the study responded accurately and honestly to the questions asked in the interviews and survey. Future research is recommended that would include a larger and more diverse sample. Further recommendations include separate studies to examine the differences between student achievement as a result of school district leadership efforts to attain access to equity and excellence based on college readiness assessment exam scores such as the SAT and/or the ACT, and college or technical school entrance and completion, with regard to student subgroups such as race, ethnicity, and family income.

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of 244 school- and district-based administrators who were employed in a Florida school district from 2003- 2011 regarding superintendent second-order change leadership decisions and events to achieve equity and access to excellence for all students in the school district. Interviews were also conducted with 11 active and retired school-based and district-based administrators to specifically address any factors that led to equity and access to excellence as well as any challenges the school district faced when implementing those actions and decisions. Quantitative data were used for a historical comparison of the targeted school district prior to and after 2003 to further understand the impact of equity and access to excellence within the school district. Two superintendent decisions were believed to be extremely educationally significant by respondents: High school reading centerpiece and International Baccalaureate program launch at Seminole High School. Respondents were least familiar with Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition established and Established Principal Forum. Three events were largely believed to be extremely educationally significant by respondents: District rated A each year of accountability, District designated academically high- performing, and Unitary status achieved. Respondents were least familiar with Florida Center for Reading Research project in high schools and Superintendent Leadership transition. iv Responses to open-ended questions indicated that equity and access to excellence were achieved in the school district between 2003 to 2011. The decision to attain unitary status led to other actions and decisions to achieve equity and access to excellence, e.g., the creation of magnet schools, the introduction of open access to Advanced Placement courses. The superintendent’s greatest challenge was perceived by respondents as lack of funding. Interviewees cited poverty as a limiting factor in achievement of equity and excellence. All respondents agreed that working with the lowest achieving 25% of students to improve performance on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test was key to achieving equity and excellence in the school district. Most of the interviewees believed that all students have access to equity and excellence. In offering advice to other districts, most of the interviewees stressed the importance of focusing on data, demographics, and academic programs, stating that leaders should be committed to achieving equity and excellence and there needs to be total buy-in from the whole district. Further, superintendent success depended on a clear focus, a set of core values and the willingness and courage to implement second-order change.