Odden (educational leadership and policy analysis, U. of Wisconsin-Madison) shows educators, administrators, school boards, teacher unions, political leaders, and policy makers how to enhance student achievement in the midst of budget cuts through a specific plan of action for more effective and efficient resource use. He focuses on actions that can be implemented immediately without major changes in the organization and governance of the school system, outlining an improvement strategy, resource allocation and use practices that undergird that strategy, and the required teacher, principal, and central office staff to implement it. He first details what is known about improving schools and student performance and 12 strategies for doing so, as well as the resource needs and costs of the strategies, then specific issues for resources, strategic budgeting, educator talent, and technology, and improvement strategies for them. He discusses teacher compensation and pensions, class size, school schedules, online programs for education services, salary freezes, and how to set priorities for situations that require budget cuts. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)