Much of the existing literature on urban school reform focuses on how the relatively small number of our nation's largest urban districts are approaching school reform with these objectives in mind. However, does smaller district size have any bearing, direct or indirect, on the nature of superintendent leadership? The authors' exploratory…

Compares the school decentralization process and political background in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. Finds that successful programs are characterized by local-level policymaking, strong alliances between district management and teachers, an atmosphere conducive to change and risk, and a willingness to allow schools independence in…