In this elegantly argued treatise, the ever-thoughtful Jeff Henig makes a powerful case that a fundamental shift in the organization, funding, and evaluation of schooling is altering the scope and nature of American education. This is a book that every policy maker, reformer, and advocate for change would be wise to heed. — Frederick M. Hess, resident scholar and director of education, American Enterprise Institute (AEI)

The intensity of education reform creates a climate of seeming chaos. Jeff Henig, a brilliant policy analyst, deftly shows us which way the wind is actually blowing. His analysis of the growing shift of educational governance from school boards to general purpose institutions is fascinating and has compelling implications for the future. — Paul Reville, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The End of Exceptionalism in American Education is an integrated, coherent analysis of the entire changing ecology for school governance. It provides a new perspective that transcends the old paradigm of centralization versus decentralization. — Michael W. Kirst, president, California State Board of Education, and professor emeritus, education and business administration, Stanford University

Henig’s skillful analysis demonstrates that institutions matter—a perspective often missing from studies of education policy. The result is a masterful overview of executives, legislatures, and courts from Washington, DC, to city hall and their role in shaping policy choices and mobilizing diverse interests. — Lorraine M. McDonnell, professor of political science, University of California, Santa Barbara

Henig’s book is impressive in its scope, rich in insight, and chock full of relevant evidence. — William T. Gormley, Jr, Perspectives on Politics