Yes, standardization, one size fits all, the belief that central planners can determine what's best for everyone. My opinion is that all school administration should occur at the school level. Teachers, principals, and parents are best equipped to know what each kid needs. At the central administration level, accountability is nonexistent and the larger a school district gets, the harder it is to provide dynamic and responsive education.

I'm a fan of the charter school movement mostly in the sense that it radically decentralizes education and that most charter schools are non-union. I've visited traditional public schools and charter schools and the sense of community, engagement, and accountability is palpable at the charter schools. At the traditional public schools, the sense was one of defeatism and calcification.

Now keep in mind that my experience was in a large urban area, so your mileage will vary.

I'm in a large urban area too. One where 85% of the kids in the school on my block failed the state math and english exams. (50% got the lowest score possible) The prison model isn't working for them.