ECS Center To Sort Through New Governance Structures

By Bess Keller

The Education Commission of the States has founded a center to help states and districts understand and put in place innovative forms of school governance.

"Mounting frustration about inadequate performance of our schools has spawned a variety of new and sometimes radical proposals to change traditional governance models," Ted Sanders, the president of the ECS, said in announcing the center. "But lawmakers know that they cannot continue to turn to such approaches in a haphazard manner; they need well-thought out options."

Backed by a three-year, $590,000 grant from the Joyce Foundation in Chicago, the National Center for Innovation in Governing American Education will aim to lead the national discussion on who should make the rules for American public education. The possibilities vary from the traditional—school boards and superintendents—to local schools, mayors, charter school...