Basic cause of the differences in range of choice between white and black decentralization plans is the disparity between black registered electoral figures and the number of black students in the high school system. Geographic polarization of Detroit into a black inner city and surrounding white suburbs reinforces this effect. (RJ)

Political developments with respect to two public school systems are examined in terms of two theoretical models. When viewed from the analytical perspective used here, similarities between the two cities with respect to progress in decentralization begin to emerge.

System-wide school decentralization is now implemented both in New York City and in Detroit. It is important, therefore, to inquire into alternative explanations of the origins of the school decentralization movement with a view to constructing models of school organizational behavior and change which may have utility either to other school…

The 15-year effort to decentralize New York City public schools and thereby implement basic changes in the school system is briefly sketched in this study. The structure of the school system, powers of local boards, central board, and chancellor, school board elections, keeping the public informed, educational impact, and effect on truancy and…

This issue of "Inequality in Education" comprises articles sampling perspectives of some attempts being made within the public school framework to gain a greater say in how and what children learn. The discussions are concentrated on efforts for (1) community control of Schools; (2) decentralization of school administration; and, (3)…