To better understand the complexities of state education governance systems, this study uses Brewer and Smith's (2008) framework to examine the structures, policies, and processes in each state's K–12 education system. We conducted a legislative review to examine three dimensions of educational governance: (1) level of control, (2) distribution of authority, and (3) degree of participation. The resulting 7 indicators and 35 sub-indicators were weighted to create a typology that sorts states into eight possible designations. This typology enables policymakers and future researchers to understand how various policies enhance or inhibit educational goals in different state settings.
BrewerD. J., & SmithJ. (2008). A framework for understanding educational governance: The case of California. Education Finance and Policy, 3(1), 20–40.
DavisM. (2011). Governance challenges to innovators within the system. Rethinking Education Governance in the 21st Century, Washington, DC: Washington State Board of Education. Governance final briefing paper. Prepared for March 2011 board meeting.
5.
McGuinnP., & MannaP. (2013). Chapter 1: Education governance in America: Who leads when everyone is in charge. In MannaP., & McGuinnP. J. (Eds.). (2013). Education governance for the twenty-first century: Overcoming the structural barriers to school reform.Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.
