Some good books on the general subject that I read recently. The chapter in Mei Ling's book on Japanese school discipline was very interesting. As was how parents in S America deal with sleep time.

http://www.amazon.com/Eskimos-Keep-Their-Babies-Warm/dp/156512958X

How we do not let kids be kids. And how adults exercise absolute control over kids and how this is damaging.

http://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shalt-No..._6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332509810&sr=1-6

IMHO, the schools suffer from too much centralized control. Put the power in the principals' hands, get rid of most of the non-school staff, and then actively supervise the principals. Make sure the schools have good textbooks and LOTS Of books. Break up school districts into smaller ones.