After reading this chapter, you will be able to

• Describe key education policymakers and how they help shape and implement education policy,
   
• Explain why per pupil spending varies so much,
   
• Summarize how educational performance is measured and what those measures say about public school performance,
   
• Describe the aims and objectives of the Common Core State Standards and other major education reform movements,
   
• Discuss key alternatives to public schools, and
   
• Identify key interest groups seeking to influence education policy.