Decentralization and school improvement : can we fulfill the promise?

"Do decentralization reforms hold real promise for American education? Is there a relationship between the structure of the system and its performance? What can we learn about decentralization from history? from other industries? from other public sectors? from other countries? And what risks does decentralization entail?" "In this book, eight distinguished contributors examine these and other questions related to the likely effects of decentralizing school governance on educational practice. Drawing on theoretical models, case studies, and comparative analyses of other sectors and countries, the authors argue that governance reforms are likely to have little impact on what actually happens in schools. They explain the cyclical and reactionary nature of decentralization debates and show how they are endemic to modern society. And they tell why decentralized structural arrangements alone are unlikely to establish conditions necessary for general improvement in educational practice." "Educational researchers, administrators, and policymakers will learn how linking decentralization reforms with higher performance demands, more directed technical demands, and clearer accountability sys