Malcolm and Me describes the seven criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program to improve student achievement: leadership, strategic planning, student and market focus, information and analysis, faculty and staff satisfaction, process management in the classroom and the business office, and results. Each chapter introduces a different Baldrige category and an "essential question" to help the reader see the big picture. Malcolm and Me also includes an appendix for those interested in employing the Baldrige process in their school or who would like to seek the national award. In addition, a Baldrige self-assessment checklist is included to enable readers to evaluate the standing of their classroom, building, or district in regard to the seven criteria.

Richard E. Maurer is the superintendent of schools of the Pearl River School District and the 2001 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner. The author of five previous books, he has served in education for over 30 years, nine as a superintendent, and has taught graduate education classes.

Sandra Cokeley Pedersen authored the 2001 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award application for the Pearl River School District, one of the first three education recipients. As the district's director of quality and community relations, she has been driven for continuous improvement at Pearl River since 1992.