This loose-leaf compendium includes three types of brief research summaries: "topical synthesis,""close-ups," and "snapshots." The single topical synthesis is entitled "School-Community Collaboration to Improve the Quality of Life for Urban Youth and Their Families" (Kathleen Cotton). Close-ups consist of brief definitions and essential research findings on the following topics: "Teaching Thinking Skills" (Kathleen Cotton) and "Staff Development" (Jocelyn A. Butler). Four snapshots describe effective practices currently in place at various school districts throughout the country: "Learning to Write and Assess Writing Quality" (Kathleen Cotton); "Using School Time Productively" (Kathleen Cotton); "Improving Student Performance through Mastery Learning" (Carole Hunt and Kathleen Cotton); and "Restructuring the Curriculum to Promote Child-Initiated Activity" (Jan Jewett). Annotated bibliographies are appended to the topical synthesis and close-ups. (MLF)