This precis provides a model for alliance-building for reading and mathematics and outlines the sequential steps necessary for successfully negotiating articulation between school districts and universities as a single "urban" ecosystem. The term "urban" is referenced in this precis. The definition by Stone (1998) is applied in this regard as "jurisdictions that are large and old enough to include socially and economically diverse populations. Typically, these are central cities and mature suburbs. Within the broad category of urban communities, recent trends show a greater concentration of poverty and people of color," (p. 3). The most important feature of the primer is its introduction of applicable and practical steps to achieve intra-institutional communication. Although dated from twenty years ago, the authors have imposed a step-by-step process developed by Zenger and Zenger (1982). This process has proven to be effective, succinct, and directly related to the articulation functions of school districts and neighboring universities. As a preface to these steps, the authors recommend another informative set of more recent steps as a subtext.