This book examines the Independence School District's adoption of Edward Zigler's School of the 21st Century education model. This is a story of what schools can achieve when administrators, principals, teachers, staff -- and partners such as local nonprofit and faith-based organizations -- unite in commitments to best serve their community, and take bold steps to make it happen.

• Dedication


• Foreword


• List of Illustrations


• Acknowledgements


• Introduction


• Chapter One. A Need for Change


• Chapter Two. The Launch of 21C within ISD


• Chapter Three. Expanding the Vision in Independence


• Chapter Four. Building on 21C's Vision of Compassion


• Chapter Five. Progressive Change in the New Millennium


• Chapter Six. Identifying Services and Braiding Them with Resources


• Chapter Seven. The 21C Mission Enters Annexed School Neighborhoods


• Chapter Eight. Enabling Student Fitness and Good Health Becomes a Priority


• Chapter Nine. Nurturing 21C Roots to Expand for the Future


• Appendix. Independence School District 21C Timeline


• Afterword. Schools of the 21st Century Building Blocks - Call to Action

Edward Zigler is Director Emeritus at the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy, Yale University.
Jim Hinson is Superintendent of the Independence School District, Independence, Missouri.
Jennifer Walker is Director of Youth Development at the Independence School District, Independence, Missouri.