One method of training principals and teachers to lead substantive change initiatives lies in partnership activities between schools and the local university. The Collaborative School Improvement Program (C-SIP) is a successful school-university partnership that focuses upon collaborative relationships between Eastern Michigan University and area schools to promote school improvement activities through building-level shared decision making. The C-SIP model offers a clearly delineated problem-solving approach that effectively combines theory, research, and practice. The individual school, the local school district, the intermediate school district, and Eastern Michigan University each assume important roles in ensuring the successful implementation of local projects. Faculty are recognized as equal shareholders in the change process, and administrative support is a prerequisite to a school's acceptance as a project school. Eastern Michigan University provides financial and technical assistance to each project site, and a faculty member is assigned as a facilitator in assisting with change efforts. The assumptions which form the foundation of the C-SIP model are listed, the C-SIP six-step process is outlined, typical school improvement goals are discussed, and implications for staff developers are identified. (Contains 23 references.) (JDD)