Contemporary education systems are increasingly confronted with the challenge of reconciling centralized control with institutional autonomy. This tension reflects the broader organizational dynamics captured in the theory of tight and loose coupling, which explains how systems maintain both coherence and flexibility. This paper advances the position that effective education systems cannot rely exclusively on either tightly coupled structures characterized by standardization and control or loosely coupled arrangements defined by autonomy and flexibility. The paper critically examines how policy frameworks shape coupling dynamics across different levels of education systems. It argues that while tight coupling enhances accountability, alignment, and system-wide coherence, loose coupling enables innovation, contextual responsiveness, and professional agency. However, both extremes present limitations when applied in isolation. The paper proposes a hybrid policy model that combines tight control at the level of goals and standards with loose coupling in implementation processes. This “tight–loose” configuration is presented as a pragmatic approach for achieving sustainable educational effectiveness in diverse and rapidly evolving global environments.