Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-236) and index.

Introduction: Mayoral governance in education gains prominence -- The historical and political context of integrated governance -- The new-style education mayors -- Evaluating the effects of mayoral control -- Integrated governance as a strategy to improve school performance -- Considering the gap between high- and low-performing schools -- Accountability and urban high schools : the challenge of improving instructional practices -- Toward strategic deployment of resources -- The political dynamics in building public support for education -- Mayorally governed school districts as laboratories of democracy.

"Clearly, parents, policymakers, and researchers are all keenly interested in the relationship between mayoral leadership and city school performance. Some analysts have pointed out that there are not enough data yet for proper evaluation. Others have speculated that it may simply not be possible to connect governance reforms to district improvement. For policymakers faced with real-time decisions, however, these justifications are not sufficient. This study is motivated by a desire to take the best available data, whatever their limitations, and to produce the best possible empirical analysis of the pressing question: What impact does mayoral control have on school system performance?..." (From Preface)