Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: A new movement for equity and justice in education
How community organizing works
"A match on dry grass": organizing for great schools in San Jose
"An appetite for change": building relational cultures for educational reform and civic engagement in Los Angeles
"Our strength is the power of our community": political education and the continuation of the struggle in Denver
"Weaving a tapestry that won't unravel": the transformation of education in the Mississippi Delta
"Acts of leadership": building powerful forms of parent participation in Chicago
"Cement between the bricks": building schools and communities in New York City
Building power and relationships to transform communities and schools
Conclusion: Lessons for school reform and democracy building
Appendix: A collaborative research process

Argues that community organizing represents a fresh and promising approach to school reform as part of a broader agenda to build power for low-income communities and address the profound social inequalities that affect the education of children. Based on a comprehensive national study, presents rich and compelling case studies of prominent organizing efforts in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, San Jose, and the Mississippi Delta. The authors show how organizing groups build the participation and leadership of parents and students so they can become powerful actors in school improvement efforts. They also identify promising ways to overcome divisions and create the collaborations between educators and community residents required for deep and sustainable school reform. Shows how community organizing builds powerful relationships that lead to the transformational change necessary to advance educational equity and a robust democracy. From publisher description