The presentation draws on essential findings from comparatively applied case studies concerning two schools located in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Concerning this matter we focus on the dominant habitual orientations of school leaders regarding learning and teaching processes as well as cooperation mechanisms like the teamwork of various professions within the schools, the cooperation with institutions of the local environment, and the collaboration with the school administration as the most important ranges of action when enforcing structural school reforms and organizational controlling impulses in schools facing challenging circumstances.