Imagine you are a teacher in 19th-century America. You have been hired by and wo

Imagine you are a teacher in 19th-century America. You have been hired by and work under the supervision of a local school board. These officers may have no knowledge about Education, but they are well known and respected in the community. The community trusts these individuals to manage their schools in a way that reflects local values. Their goal is to shield school governance from the world of politics and the influence of mayors, governors, and other politicians.
Now, fast forward to the 21st century. Individuals and agencies at the state, national, and international levels vie for places at the local Education “table.” They are all convinced they have a stake in what happens in the local classroom. The world of P–20 Education has become infinitely more complex with the involvement of mayors, assessment agencies, state coordinating councils, charter schools, and other entities.
As you review the Learning Resources in preparation for this Discussion, pay particular attention to the relative authority of governance structures in local, state, and national contexts. Consider the personnel or curriculum in your system and reflect on the relative authority of governing individuals and agencies over it.