ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the organizational structure of public schools and advance several principles for improving the educational system. An output-driven system encourages the creation of strong achievement norms by establishing external standards, evaluating school and student academic performance over time, and rewarding students, teachers, and schools for achievement gains. James S. Coleman directed his efforts at creating incentive structures for schools and classrooms that would motivate teachers and students to support achievement norms and attain high levels of academic performance. Coleman envisioned a single entity responsible for establishing standards for student and teacher performance that would operate independently of local school interests. The incentive structure Coleman devised did not merely entail paying teachers more money or giving their classes special privileges such as taking field trips. For teachers, rewards for student achievement are based on a value added model.
