Argues that the question for those concerned with education and politics is to determine the possibilities, limits and likely consequences of community control of the schools or its alternatives, and that by taking particular political decisions it will be possible to shape extra-political factors so as to either to enhance or to limit the…

Reports findings of a 12-school district study examining differences in local perceptions about influences on their systems: Federal policies; State legislation; demographic trends; the local community; central offices. Presents case studies of three districts and recommendations for strengthening local capacity and sense of priorities. (KH)