Using examples from California, the author analyzes the increasing trend for states to assume a guiding or dominant role over local school districts in important aspects of American education. He considers the main reasons for this trend to be public concern over academic standards and the increasing cost of education. (Editor/SJL)

Premodern Chinese education emphasized an intricate system of examinations used by the government to select its officials from among the "shih" (scholars). A dual tract educational system existed: state and some private schools for examination bound scholars, and private schools for others fortunate enough to receive some education. (MH)