- Introduction and Overview Neil D. Theobald and Jeffrey Bardzell
Part 1. Framework for Understanding Local Control of Schools
- Political Philosophy and the Balance Between Central and Local Control of Schools Barry Bull
- The Limits of Standardization and the Importance of Constituencies: Historical Tensions in the Relationship Between State Authority and Local Control Nancy Beadie
- Recent Litigation and its Impact on the State-Local Power Balance: Liberty and Equity in Governance, Litigation, and the School Finance Policy Debate John Dayton
Part 2. State Activism in the Late Twentieth Century
- Converging Forces: Understanding the Growth of State Authority over Education Frances C. Fowler
- State Politics and School Reform: The First Decade of the "Education Excellence" Movement Tim L. Mazzoni
Part 3. Local Autonomy in the Late Twentieth Century
- Creating "A New Set of Givens"? The Impact of State Activism on School Autonomy Betty Malen and Donna Muncey
- Salvaging Fiscal Control: New Sources of Local Revenue for Public Schools Michael F. Addonizio
- Organizational Boundaries, Authority, and School District Organization Patrick Galvin
Conclusion
- Achieving a Just Balance Between Local Control of Schools and State Responsibility for K-12 Education: Summary Observations and Research agendas Betty Malen, Neil D. Theobald, and Jeffrey Bardzell