Focus groups are conducted each year within the mid-Atlantic region of the United States to gather information on school restructuring to help Research for Better Schools (RBS) in its planning process. This document reports on the round of focus groups held in spring 1994 to determine the ways in which partnerships might further school restructuring efforts. Data were collected at six focus-group sessions, one held at each of the following locations: Baltimore, Maryland; Dover, Delaware; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Trenton, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware. A total of 24 participants included representatives from state and local education and social-service agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and businesses. Despite individual frustrations, participants were enthusiastic about the potential of partnerships to facilitate broad change. Factors that hindered effective partnerships included an institutional culture that encourages competition rather than cooperation and the categorical nature of state and federal funding. To ensure successful partnerships, participants recommended: (1) stay focused on clients; and (2) provide resources for staff development time, technology, equipment, and expertise. RBS was encouraged to continue to play the role of partnership advocate, sponsoring meetings and disseminating information. One table is included. (LMI)