The Learning Connection

Book excerpt: With support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri, editors Gene I. Maeroff, Patrick M. Callan, and Michael D. Usdan embarked on a significant quest. They commissioned twelve journalists from prominent newspapers to explore the impact, importance, and truth about collaborations between institutions of higher learning and K-12 schools. Their findings are presented in this comprehensive volume. What makes this book unique from others on the topic is that it is the first to offer such a collective body of work. This assemblage of timely information has implications for policy makers in schools and colleges everywhere. In addition, the editors offer a useful organizational framework focused on collaborations involving the following five major themes: Standards; Equity; Teaching; Governance; and Community-building. Covering such topics as what makes a collaboration work, how to deal with flaws, and lessons learned. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the challenges, innovations, and strategies that help define school and college partnerships.