The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is the nation's leader in advancing educational excellence for every child through quality research, analysis, and commentary, as well as on-the-ground action and advocacy in Ohio. The institute advances: (1) High standards for schools, students and educators; (2) Quality education options for families; (3) A more productive, equitable, and efficient education system; and (4) A culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence. The institute promotes education reform by: (1) High standards for schools, students and educators; (2) Quality education options for families; (3) A more productive, equitable, and efficient education system; and (4) A culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence. This publication contains the following: (1) Introduction and Lessons Learned (Terry Ryan and Kathryn Mullen Upton); (2) Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (The Edison Story in Dayton) (Ellen Belcher); (3) The Fordham Sponsorship Program; and (4) Individual School Profiles. Exhibit 4: Academic Performance Plan for Primary and Middle Schools is appended. (Contains 3 tables, 5 graphs, 1 footnote and 13 sources.)