Book excerpt: The Collaborative Efforts Action Group of the Urban Superintendents' Network moved from an examination of the roles of schools, businesses, and community agencies in improving the quality of education in America to promoting the creation of comprehensive collaboratives that can strengthen family and community life. This report shares what superintendents have learned about collaboration. Strategies for developing the united front necessary for viable comprehensive collaborations are described in the following sections: (1) Introduction: The Spirit of Collaboration; (2) Building on Partnerships; (3) Key Collaborative Players; (4) Characteristics of Successful Collaboratives; (5) Measuring Success; and (6) Shaping Collaboratives for the Future. The superintendents urge colleagues in the nation's cities to explore the possibilities, broaden their perspectives, and lower bureaucratic barriers that inhibit children from reaching their full competence. Included are a 53-item list of references and a 37-item list of selected school-community partnerships in 24 cities. (SLD)