The movement toward math and science curriculum standards is inextricably linked with high-stakes politics. There are two major types of politics discussed in this paper: the allocation of curriculum content, and the political issues involved in systemic change. Political strategies for gaining assent to national, state, and local content…

Some states use subsidies, grants, and other public monies to rejuvenate lagging rural economies, but without sound economic analysis to guide these efforts money may go to projects that do not achieve economic development goals. Minnesota's Iron Range programs illustrate what happens when economic analysis is sacrificed in political tugs-of-war.…

This book reviews the history of vocational, technical, and adult education (VTAE) in Wisconsin, which has one of the most effective systems in the United States. The review shows that although the system has changed dramatically, its mission of education for employment has not. Nine chapters consider Wisconsin's VTAE system from statehood to the…