To better understand the role of state government in education reform, this study identifies key functions performed by state education agencies (SEAs) and estimates the relative level of resources devoted to each activity. The study finds that although states have invested substantial resources in monitoring school performance, they have contributed only modest resources to improving failing schools. Given the federal government’s expectation that states take a more active role in improving failing schools, a capacity shortage could prove problematic. The study also explores ways in which SEAs could free up resources in order to build school improvement capacity.
COMMENTARY – The Sleeping Giant Awakes: To Focus on School Performance, State Departments Must Adapt
For decades, the primary function of state education agencies (SEAs) has been a passive one: to ensure compliance with a vast array of regulations and...
