District takeovers.

Although research has identified only 54 cases of state takeovers of local school districts of 2004, interest in state takeovers aimed at improving student achievement may increase as states explore options for districts identified for corrective action under No Child Left Behind, according to a study by Edvantia.

"Corrective Action: A Look at State Takeovers of Urban and Rural Districts" by Patricia Cahape Hammer examines research and data related to state takeovers and addresses the effectiveness of similar corrective actions. Edvantia formerly was known as the Appalachia Educational Laboratory.

Since 1988, more than half of all states have passed laws allowing state authorities to take control of local districts under certain circumstances. The majority of takeovers have occurred in urban and rural districts, and the most commonly cited causes are financial and management problems.

The Edvantia report acknowledged that while few state takeovers have been studied, in general, takeovers have had little success in improving student performance. However, there is some evidence of improvement in the lower grades of urban districts that states have put under the control of mayors.

Because the implementation of NCLB requires sanctions of low-performing schools and districts identified for corrective action, the Edvantia report suggests state officials assess which of the institutions available in their state, such as mayors, state-appointed administrators, trustees and for-profit companies, have the technical knowledge and capacity required to tackle the complex problems present in failing school districts.

The policy brief can be accessed at no charge at www.edvantia.org.