This booklet presents the story of Benito Martinez Elementary, one urban elementary school in the midst of change and renewal. It is one of 85 schools with which the National Institute for Urban School Improvement is involved in partnerships for change. Through the stories of parents, students, teachers, and administrators, the booklet describes how the school is making fundamental and enduring changes in its work, and thus in the lives of children and youth. After presenting an overview of the school, the booklet explains how the effort began, focusing on planning for student academic achievement and teacher learning. It goes on to explain how the school planned "leadership from the back" to create a professional community, with principals sharing their leadership tasks with teachers and families. The next section explains how the school planned to improve and expand family and school linkages. The booklet concludes by summarizing how Benito Martinez Elementary School has succeeded at the professional development effort level, school organizational level, district effort and support level, and student learning level. (SM)