One-third of the nation"s children are educated in city schools. Many of these schools face tremendous challenges rapid teacher turnover, poor academic performance, high concentrations of low-income children, children with disabilities, and English language learners. How can they engage the talents, resources, and support of other community institutions to serve students more effectively? In City Schools, Robert Rothman and his colleagues at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University put forward a vision of smart education systems that link a highly functioning and effective school district with a comprehensive and accessible web of supports for children, youth, and families. The book describes ways that urban districts around the country are becoming smarter and outlines the components of a smart education system. Drawing from dozens of examples, the authors show how districts can build relationships with cultural institutions, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to support student achievement and offer multiple pathways to education for urban youth.