In this article, I serve as a secretary for the critical policy analysis presented by hundreds of teachers, parents, students, and community members during 19 public hearings on school closures in New York City. In testimony at hearings, community members rejected the narrow, statistical approach they felt the Department of Education was using to…

Educational and sociological scholars frequently debate how racial dynamics between neighborhoods and their public schools can maintain or exacerbate educational inequality. Drawing on secondary data from the Georgia Department of Education, 2000 Census Bureau, and attendance boundaries for metro Atlanta public high schools, this study…

School choice programs have proliferated around the world since the 1980s. Following this international trend, the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) was launched in 1991 to revitalize Hong Kong's private school sector. DSS schools receive a similar subsidy per student to that received by aided schools, but they may charge fees and have greater control…

Presents an overview of the federal role in the development of school desegregation policy, emphasizing the interactive nature of judicial, legislative, and executive involvement. Reviews the six articles in the theme issue. (FMW)

Reviews the role of the federal government in the development of national school desegregation policy over the past 35 years. Concludes that desegregation requires active federal support, but desegregation effects are limited by political backlash and conflicting judicial interpretations. Suggests a future federal role. (FMW)

Reviews the negative impact of Reagan-era civil rights policies on housing and school desegregation. Suggests a coordinated federal policy approach that would overcome local political bias. (FMW)

Discusses the increasing proportion of minority enrollments in urban schools and the ensuing social isolation of Black and Hispanic American students. Reviews four models of metropolitan school desegregation plans. Suggests a federal initiative that would require states to develop plans involving multiple school districts. (FMW)

Hypothesizes that a student assignment plan, such as that approved for Boston (Massachusetts), can be an effective method of using school choice to achieve both educational quality and racial balance. Urges the federal government to increase funds for demonstration planning projects and comparative studies to test the plan's effectiveness. (FMW)

Discusses the role of the national values of efficiency, choice, and equity in the adoption and implementation of the federal education block grant program and the negative effects on school desegregation. Urges policymakers to consider policy goals, and not just policy instruments, when considering future proposals. (FMW)

Analyzes the experiences of three midsize Michigan school districts in implementing school desegregation programs under the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA). Concludes that effective implementation requires clear goals and objectives, committed leadership, community support, and on-going political support. (FMW)

Examines recent attempts to reform school organizational structures to give teachers an expanded role in decision making. Discusses the distinction between authority and influence and delineates decision domains that may be considered in efforts to increase teacher participation. (FMW)

Discusses school power structures. Cites the following examples of "bottom-up" authority: (1) vouchers; (2) magnet schools; and (3) open enrollment. Suggests a new model in which the larger school districts function as "holding companies" and individual schools function as "subsidiaries" of the parent company. (FMW)

Summarizes the historical background, planning, and implementation of a School-Based Management/Shared Decision Making (SBM/SDM) program in Dade County (Florida). Highlights interim evaluation findings and recommendations. (FMW)

Utilizes data from a four-year longitudinal study of two suburban school districts to explore obstacles to implementation of school based management (SBM) at the school district and building levels. Examines delegation of authority, functioning of site councils, and program advocacy. (FMW)

Analyzes state performance incentive programs in California, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Findings suggest that incentive programs vary in effectiveness, indicating that program design is critical to success, and that most of the programs do not have high monetary costs. (FMW)