As its name suggests, this is a free-market research institute, based in London, that includes a strong education-policy program and has issued a number of provocative papers and reports by the likes of James Tooley and Chris Woodhead. Though (understandably) UK-oriented, much of what it has to say has broader applicability, so you may want to become acquainted. To meet the Institute, check out http://www.adamsmith.org/smith/theasi.htm. To find out about the "Better Education Project", go to http://www.adamsmith.org/cissues/education/project.htm. And for a list of the Institute's education publications, check out http://www.adamsmith.org/policy/publications/education-pub.htm#jump8.
