The ten papers in this collection commissioned by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory take positions and speculate about particular obstacles which collaboratives and intermediaries face in working toward the improvement of educational practice and equity through regional approaches. The papers discuss (1) the essential characteristics of interorganizational collaboratives; (2) the nature of past and present efforts; (3) previous federal participation in school improvement; and (4) implications and suggested strategies for future school improvement projects. Three of the authors look specifically at federal involvement in school improvement and conclude that the resulting advantages far outweigh objectionable requirements. Five of the authors explore various facets of the linkages, mechanisms, and roles which make collaboration effective or ineffective in achieving goals. The two remaining authors focus on the nature of dissemination activities that work. (Author/RAA)