Southern States Found Cautious in Using Sanctions

Although most Southern states have enacted policies to intervene in poorly performing schools, a recent study reports, they have been cautious in applying sanctions.

The study by the Atlanta-based Southern Regional Education Board, an interstate consortium, found that only three of 15 member states--Georgia, Louisiana, and Virginia--do not have sanctions on the books.

But in most states, only a tiny proportion of schools--typically about 5 percent--have been identified as unsuccessful enough to justify severe consequences, the report found. And most state takeovers have been for financial...