System-wide school decentralization is now implemented both in New York City and in Detroit. It is important, therefore, to inquire into alternative explanations of the origins of the school decentralization movement with a view to constructing models of school organizational behavior and change which may have utility either to other school…

Whether the goal of economic equality is retained or abandoned, a change in the pattern of control over education seems inevitable. The options range from extreme centralization to maximum individual control. However, in no case should the choice be clouded by unrealistic expectations about what formal education can accomplish. (Author)

Many parents and community members throughout the nation, dissatisfied with the education their children are receiving, are demanding a voice in the educational process. This demand is expressed in the movements for community involvement in the schools, community schools, and community control of schools. Twelve documents investigate the concept,…

Advocates of community control over local schools seek deference to parental preferences from the professional staff. Specific proposals include: (1) Staff accountability to parental representatives for student learning; (2) parental participation in the selection of school principals; (3) parental participation in school level decision-making,…

This report is a summary of New York City's school decentralization law for the use of educational and community personnel. The New York City Office of Education Affairs of the Human Rights Administration (HRA) prepared and distributed the report as a public service in response to requests for explanation of the law. No editorial opinion was…