Tightening the Grip? The Impact of State Activism on Local School Systems

Abstract

Over the last four decades, state governments have become increasingly, and at times aggressively, involved in efforts to influence the public schools. This article describes that governance shift, examines contrasting views of its impact on local schools, and suggests that states may be influencing local schools in potentially powerful ways that have not been broadly recognized. This article underscores the importance of research that maps how state policies operate to affect both governance relationships and reform outcomes.