During the past three decades, the rise of the global economy stimulated a wide array of social, economic, and political changes in nations throughout the world. Heightened concern about the quality of schools launched what is arguably one of the most pervasive, intense, and protracted attempts at educational reform in recent history. A discussion of findings from recent nationwide studies of educational reform policies in the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark) provides insight into the impact of globalization on changes in national political ideology, educational reform policies, and efforts to enhance parent-school involvement. Findings suggest that decentralization and the devolution of decision-making authority to local schools may have been only marginally successful.