Educational Colonialism

In education, local control refers to (1) the governing and management of public schools by elected or appointed representatives serving on governing bodies, such as school boards or school committees, that are located in the communities served by the schools, and (2) the degree to which local leaders, institutions, and governing bodies can make independent or autonomous decisions about the governance and operation of public schools, (para. 1) The concept of local control is grounded in a philosophy of government premised on the belief that the individuals and institutions closest to the students and most knowledgeable about a school-and most invested in the welfare and success of its educators, students, and communities are best suited to making important decisions related to its operation, leadership, staffing, academics, teaching, and improvement.