The focus of this paper is on the delineation of three popular reform measures: decentralization, citizen participation, and community control and assessment of recent efforts to implement these. It develops a model that realistically combines decentralization with community decision making. (Author/AM)

In 1969, the New York City school decentralization law divided the city school system into 31 (later 32) community school districts, each under the auspices of a locally elected board. The findings and recommendations of a large-scale evaluation of the governance of New York City schools in the post-decentralization era are presented in this…

This paper explores how the idea of community control came about, what the concept is, and some implications it might have for communication practices in school systems. Social and political conditions which led to the idea of community control of education are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the dissatisfaction of minority groups and…

Although the break-up of the unresponsive school bureaucracy in New York will be a move toward greater accountability, the basic question is: will this raise achievement levels? Its possible advantagees include: the increase in both the operating efficiency of the schools and the responsiveness of schools to the lay public; increased student fate…

The contents of this collection of articles by various authors are organized in two parts. Part I, "Innovations within the present educational system," includes the following articles: "Children and their Caretakers," N.K. Denzin; "Participation, decentralization, community control, and quality education," M.D. Fantini; "Educational Vouchers: a…

The most basic reason why blacks are rejecting integrated education is that such education is incapicitating in terms of understanding and alleviating the black condition. Negro Americans educated in white institutions are turned against their own people; they become advocates for oppression of blacks, not advocates against their oppression.…

The conference proceedings which comprise this book focus on three problem areas: (1) Objectives and social implications of community governance of city schools, covered as follows: Harold Pfautz discusses the long-run impact of community-governed schools on goals of racial equality and harmony, Mario Fantini suggests the curriculum and other…

Argues that the centralized, bureaucratic model of education management has created more problems than solutions. Contrasts the current situation with an earlier model defined by local autonomy and personal commitment. Explores a broad set of issues and approaches designed to make arts education more autonomous and less divisive. (MJP)

This book, based on a survey of parents, teachers, and principals affiliated with 54 private schools in eight cities, examines the mandate for and effects of private education for low income, predominantly minority, urban populations. The study was directed toward exploring first why low income, minority parents choose private schools for their…

Summarizes data extracted from a national survey of Canadian provinces concerning educational policy towards arts education. Discovers greater centralized control in the more populous provinces with the remote areas ceding authority to local boards. Different provinces appear to conceive of the arts in significantly different ways. (MJP)