Three crucial factors which have inhibited past school improvement efforts are analyzed in this paper. These factors include: (1) promising more than can be delivered; (2) failing to effectively deal with the reality of limited resources; and (3) failing to recognize and initiate opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing. The paper specifically focuses on the promise of the third factor--collaboration and resource sharing--to illustrate its tremendous potential for improving the quality of education for America's youth. Three case studies of comprehensive, successful collaborative arrangements serve as illustrations. This document is one of three publications making up the Pathways to Growth series, designed to assist school leaders in planning and implementing organizational growth in the schools. (LR)