The Urban Development Component at Research for Better Schools, Inc., attempted to attack problems facing urban secondary schools in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania by using the "natural channels" of educational and civic associations to disseminate research and development information and to work collaboratively toward improving schools. The first section of this final report presents the project rationale and discusses the status of the region's "small cities" and research on educational change and school effectiveness. The next section describes the project goals. The role played by professional and civic associations as collaborators in school improvement is discussed next, and the effects and impact of the project on the associations, school districts and participating schools are then described. The final section concludes that associations make important contributions to school improvement by: increasing participation activities; improving the utilization quality of R & D information and products; identifying opportunities for successful implementation of projects; providing training, technical assistance, and follow-up support; and contributing to a climate of acceptance and cooperation. Critical characteristics of associations and their relationship to involvement in improvement activities are explored. Finally, implications of the "natural channels" approach for State and local policymakers are examined. Appendix A lists the cooperating organizations. Appendix B lists Urban Development products and publications. (CG)