At least 24 state legislatures have authorized state takeovers of local schools. This handbook assumes that state legislatures will continue endorsing takeovers as state policy, which begs an important question: how can takeovers be made effective? Garland argues that those who execute takeovers should expect a mess_racial, legal, political, and bureaucratic. This book serves as a first and chief resource for those interested in state takeovers of local school districts including a persuasive description of effective legislation, a strategy for implementation, and a comprehensive and well-researched compilation of takeover experiences. The main message is a warning that takeovers always cause turbulent waters but the author presses on to draft a strategy for more effectively navigating these waters. Will be of interest to parents, teachers, administrators, academics, students, and policymakers.