The New Jersey takeover legislation: Help or hindrance to improvement in troubled school districts

It started in New Jersey in 1988 when the state's department of education took over the Jersey City Public Schools. At the time of the Jersey City takeover, the school system was, by all accounts, among the worst in the Garden State. Now takeover legislation is on the books in nine states, and legislation is pending elsewhere. Does handing over the reins—after a lengthy monitoring process—lead to significant improvements in student achievement and school system operation? In short, is takeover an effective means of school reform? This article traces the three-year road leading to state takeover in Jersey City and questions the wisdom of New Jersey's aproach in failing districts.