Recommendation 34

   I believe that Recommendation 34 addresses a critical success factor in the ability of the governing board of a school district to "operate schools that are responsive both to state-level standards... and local community needs." 
   A fundamental problem within the current operational dynamics of schooling within school districts as recognized by research is that it has become progressively loosely coupled. This means that, for the most part, what goes on in the classroom is not coupled with the school's goals and objectives which are neither aligned with the district's vision and strategy. This progressive uncoupling of the process of schooling within districts, particularly in the great city districts, appears to be a function of factors internal to the districts as well as external influences emanating from state-level and other institutional actors.
    Recommendation 34 should definitely be included in the final draft together with provisions that enable the governing board to strengthen the power of the superintendent as the chief executive officer.