And a Look at Some of the People Who Made the News

Ultimately, 1992 was the year of Bill Clinton, an "education governor'' for 11 years in his native Arkansas, who won his quest for the White House. The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers also made headlines for their unprecedented level of support for a Presidential candidate as they pulled out all the stops to help insure Mr. Clinton's election.

The year was also kind to other education governors. Former Gov. Richard Riley of South Carolina was tapped to follow Mr. Clinton to Washington as his nominee for Secretary of Education. Mr. Riley, referred to by the President-elect as both a friend and a mentor, launched school reforms in his state in the early 1980's. James B. Hunt Jr., who like Mr. Riley earned the title of education governor before it became a cliche, was elected to a third term as Governor of North Carolina after an eight-year hiatus.

It was also the year of the private sector, as a variety of nonpublic groups launched ambitious reform plans at all levels. The private New American Schools Development Corporation selected 11 design teams from nearly 700 entrants to receive funds to pursue their visions of radically different...