This paper reports on a study of governance at the State level and discusses the usefulness of projected study results. The authors discuss selection of (1) level of governance to be studied, major policy areas, and States for case studies; (2) the selection and development of the research framework; and (3) the development of the survey instruments. According to the report, the study will develop alternative governance models by examining present arrangements for State educational governance. Thirteen States were selected for intensive study as representative of various dimensions within the broad categories of political culture, socioeconomic development, governance structure, and the nature of policy decisions. (JF)