Making Schools Work: Strategies for Changing Education

Dr. Marcus A. Foster’s legacy of transforming schools and communities.

Making Schools Work chronicles Dr. Marcus A. Foster’s groundbreaking efforts to transform struggling schools in Philadelphia and Oakland.

Through his “problem-solving process,” he united teachers, students, parents, and communities to address challenges in urban education.

First published in 1971, this influential work continues to inspire progress in education reform and equity.

About Dr. Marcus A. Foster

Dr. Marcus A. Foster was one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking educators of the twentieth century. A native of Philadelphia, he rose through the city’s public-school ranks, known early for his warmth, intelligence, and ability to bring people together across lines of race and class. His journey was marked by perseverance: before earning his degrees, he worked as a cabdriver, shipyard worker, waiter, dishwasher, and mail carrier—experiences that deepened his empathy for the working families he would later serve as an educator.

By the late 1960s, Foster had become a nationally recognized reformer credited with revitalizing Philadelphia’s most challenging schools. In 1970, he was recruited to Oakland, California, where he became the first African American superintendent of a major urban school district. He arrived during a period of social upheaval yet believed unwaveringly in the power of public education to unite communities. His leadership philosophy was rooted in what he called “honest and humane” reform—opening schools to parents and neighborhoods, encouraging teachers to experiment, and engaging students as full participants in their own learning.

During his brief but transformative tenure, Foster established a series of firsts that reimagined the relationship between schools and communities. He launched the Arts Magnet School, the Far West School, Street Academy, and the Montera Film Festival—each designed to link academics with the real-world experiences and cultural identities of Oakland’s diverse youth. To sustain these innovations, he created the Oakland Education Fund (OEF), the nation’s first local education fund, which used private resources to support public-school initiatives. After his tragic assassination in 1973, the OEF was renamed the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute (MFEI) in his honor.

For five decades, the Institute carried forward Dr. Foster’s vision, serving as a cornerstone for educational equity and opportunity in Oakland and the Bay Area. It awarded more than 5,000 college scholarships to local graduates, supported countless educators, and served as a fiscal sponsor to initiatives focused on youth development and community empowerment. In partnership with schools, nonprofits, and local corporations, MFEI helped shape more inclusive, innovative educational systems that reflected Dr. Foster’s belief that lasting progress comes from shared responsibility.

In 2025, the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute formally concluded its operations. Its legacy endures through the generations of students, educators, and civic leaders it inspired, and through the ongoing commitment of Oakland’s education community to equity, creativity, and collaboration.

"Honest and humane reform begins by engaging teachers, students, and communities together."

– Dr. Marcus A. Foster

The Book

Making Schools Work

A Blueprint for Educational Reform

In Making Schools Work, Dr. Marcus A. Foster presents a comprehensive approach to educational transformation. Drawing from his extensive experience as a superintendent and educational leader, he outlines practical strategies for creating schools that truly serve their communities.

This book is essential reading for educators, administrators, policy makers, and anyone committed to improving our education system. Dr. Foster’s insights remain as relevant today as when they were first shared.

Available in Paperback & eBook Formats

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Testimonials

What Educators Say

Voices from the educational community

"Dr. Foster's approach to school reform is transformative. His emphasis on community engagement and collaborative leadership has inspired our work in creating truly inclusive educational environments."

Daniel Mina, Principal, Paul L. Dunbar School in Philadelphia

Principal, Paul L. Dunbar School

"The principles outlined in "Making Schools Work" continue to guide our district's efforts. Dr. Foster's legacy reminds us that meaningful change requires courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students."

Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent, Oakland USD

Superintendent, Oakland USD

"Dr. Foster's vision for education was ahead of its time. His strategies for engaging teachers, parents, and students together created a model that remains relevant and powerful in today's educational landscape."

Denise Gail Saddler, EdD, Interim Superintendent, Oakland USD

Former Area Superintendent, Oakland USD