The presentation bases on two studies about steering and management of school development processes in German schools. The theoretical framework is related to the approach of learning organizations. The assumption is, that schools can learn and gain improvement, if effective leadership, teacher collaboration and teambuilding and professional strategies of development work with quality management by steering committees are realized. The first study, based on questionnaires of 562 teachers and principals from 20 secondary schools, draws focus on relationships between characteristics of school organization and effective development strategies. A longitudinal analysis identifies effects on teaching and learning through school program work and internal evaluation in schools with convenient patterns on culture of organization. The second study examines the role and influence of steering committees in school development processes. The results show important conditions of steering styles and patterns of quality management. With regard to school program work and school networks different analyses check on interrelations between school organization, effective management by steering committees and improvements on teaching and learning. Steering committees are effective, if they show goal-oriented styles, take responsibility and are accepted by the staff. But impacts can only be reached in schools with developed culture of organization.