For the last several years, the focus in education reform has been on the need for preschools, for smaller classrooms from kindergarten through third grade, for after-school programs primarily for middle school students. High school students, by and large, have been ignored by an evolving system.

But not any longer, if state Superintendent Jack O'Connell has his way.

O'Connell sees a need for partnerships between high schools and California's public college system to better prepare all students college bound and otherwise for a productive life outside of high school.

He also wants to see more partnering of parents, community leaders and local businesses with the high schools to provide greater opportunity for students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

We couldn't agree more. We've long said that this community needs to work together on all fronts be it public safety, caring for the helpless among us or public education. Community involvement is a vital component to wider student success.

That's something that San Bernardino County needs desperately a generation of educated, well-adapted, critical thinkers to take on the growing, changing marketplace we hope to foster here.

The superintendent's plan would allow schools much needed flexibility to spend funds where they really are needed a distinction the schools are much better equipped to make than legislators hundreds of miles away if they agree to focus on five goals:

Creating high expectations for all students.

Expanding professional development for teachers and school leaders.

Aligning high school textbooks with state academic standards.

Smoothing students' transitions from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

Involving parents, business leaders and local officials in plans to improve student achievement.

The Cal State system already has begun the partnership with its Early Assessment program, which gives students a viable measuring stick in their junior year by testing for college preparedness while there's still ample time to remedy any deficiency.

The superintendent's plan is a good one offering high schools some leeway in an age of often strangling rigidity; giving parents and the community an opportunity for a more active role in the preparation of our future adults, and giving students the best possible chance of success in the real world.