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)

The article examines the Buffalo, New York, experiment of community control at the local school level and why it succeeded when other similar experiments failed. (MF)

Five major problems have emerged out of the mobility of the Nebraska population. Declining populations in sparsely populated areas, the outmigration of young adults of child-bearing age, and a concern by the people of Nebraska for the future of their State have created an awareness of the facts and the need to come to grips with the problems and…

Traces the trend toward increased local autonomy in Spanish education by placing this movement in historical context. Contends that public and social life in Spain may be disrupted by regional pressure for greater self-determination in education. Suggests that fundamental change will be best

In focusing on local school board response to citizen desires for change in public school operations and on significant issues changing education from the perspective of school boards, three principles must be kept in mind: (1) public schools are controlled by three arms of government at three levels; (2) the federal government has limited powers;…