1. From what you have read about the role of the superintendent, what impressions have you formed about the power of the superintendent and the constraints on that power?
2. One of the authors believes that the hardest job in public education is that of a high school principal. Do you agree or disagree and what reasons do you have for your position?
3. In your opinion, should chief state school officers be elected or appointed? What reasons do you have for your position? What arguments can you muster for the opposite opinion?
4. Did the schools you attended work in partnership with business and industry? Did your education prepare you for further education and entry into the work force? What, in your opinion, is an appropriate relationship between business and schools?
5. In your opinion, are the schools doing too much, the right amount, or too little testing of students? Why do you say this?
6. What do you think of Channel One? Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Support your position.
7. What other groups, besides those listed, influence education?
8. Of the methods of school financing discussed in this chapter (local property taxes, state financing through statewide taxes, and state-run lotteries), which do you believe is most equitable? Why?
9. Do you believe state governments should redistribute money from rich to poor school districts through state taxing power? Why or why not?