Standing barely 5 feet tall, Janie Pyle, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Raytown (Missouri) Quality Schools, is nothing short of a stick of administrative dynamite. Affectionately known as Dr. J, she leads her troops with might, passion, and a sense of urgency. I recently met with Pyle to discuss how her role as central office administrator has changed during her six years in Raytown. “One of the primary responsibilities of central office to is to be well-researched, well-read, and well-trained in the best professional learning,” Pyle said. “Marzano, Reeves, Schmoker, Wiggins, Hattie — our staff deserves the best. You simply have to know the research to effect positive change in your school system. But change theory must also be modeled. And it takes