Reports the results of a nationwide survey of the organization of school systems with 50,000 or more students. The study examined whether each system was centralized or decentralized and, if decentralized, the structure of the decentralization, the reasons the district is decentralized, and the extent of community participation. (IRT)

Describes several administrative-community alternatives for governing metropolitan schools: (1) administrative decentralization, (2) community participation, and (3) community control. (CT)

Cites the rush to administrative decentralization and community participation. Suggests that controversy arises when school critics want to move to community control, a concept that has not yet accomplished what advocates claim for it. (JF)

The controversy over the decentralization of schools focuses essentially on the issue of community control. This article explores the current status of decentralization and evaluates its effectiveness as a vehicle for community influence and educational reform. (Author/WD)

Contrasts community control with community participation in administratively decentralized schools. Lists large school districts in the U.S. which have been decentralized and discusses attitudes of school officials toward community involvement in public schools. Calls for more research on the effects of decentralization and community control on…

Examines superintendents' attitudes toward community participation at the advisory and control levels in four areas of educational policy-making. (Author)

Some problems have been encountered in large school districts where decentralization has taken the form of community control. The idea of community schools, whereby the schools serve as key institutions in providing services and resources for all its residents, is discussed. (CJ)

Data regarding community participation for 66 school systems enrolling 50,000 or more students show such participation at the local school and districtwide levels for all 66 systems. Sixty-seven percent also report community participation at the decentralized level. (CMG)

Superintendents' attitudes toward community participation in and control of curriculum issues in relation to the current demands for a broad base in school decision-making are examined. It is hypothesized that superintendents will differ in their attitudes on participation and control in four areas of school decision-making. Certain…

This book is divided into four chapters. The first examines the concepts and issues related to understanding social systems and how the schools can be viewed as a social system. The differences between centralization and decentralization, as well as systems-analysis and management-control approaches are also explored. In the next chapter, we are…