Describes the historical development of educational service agencies in U.S. public education, highlighting agencies' administrative and instructional functions, organizational patterns and characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and future roles. Because of advances in data transmission, shifts in service delivery philosophy, and limited…

This article examines each of the three major sources of work done by North Dakota county superintendents--statute, regulation, and initiated and invited service--and argues that, although county superintendents provide valuable services, there is a need to restructure the superintendency to better respond to changes in intermediate county…

Describes a study that examined the concepts of power, influence, and issues as they related to establishing a new school district. The decision to break away from an existing school district and to establish a new one provided a unique opportunity to study community action in support of and in opposition to public school reform. (MLH)