Normative confusion in education often stimulates 3 responses, appeal to: (a) top-down standards, (b) traditional communal norms, or (c) laissez-faire individualism. Strangely neglected is a collaborative approach, the attempt to consult with others and negotiate in an inclusive, fair, and open manner. Neglect of collaboration is undoubtedly due to loss of faith but perhaps also to loss of imagination, even in Social Foundations, which is startling given its origins. Modern and postmodern thought are briefly considered with regard to their collaborative implications and contrasted with a pragmatic or transactional approach. Some suggestions for making Social Foundations more collaborative in outlook are offered in conclusion. (Contains 2 notes.)