Examines several education-reform programs supported by the International Business Machines corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina, discussing a typology of corporate involvement, the complexities of corporate involvement, and the benefits and dangers of corporate involvement. Explains that most corporate involvement is very helpful, though some…

This article uses the consolidated school system of the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) as a strategic case study to theorize more fully the corporate role in contemporary school reform. It provides an integrative analysis of corporate participation in educational policy formation and implementation. After providing…

Reviews claims by U.S. business leaders that poor educational performance, discipline, and motivation of non-college-bound students are evidence of defects in the public schools. Argues that structural changes in the U.S. economy have had a negative impact on student motivation and have shaped the current sense of crisis in U.S. education. (CFR)