Examines recent major proposals for improvements in elementary and secondary education from an economic perspective and assesses their likely effects. Suggests that efficient, effective, and equitable use of resources has not been fully considered in the preparation of the proposals. (PGD)

Examines trends in state financial school support in terms of increasing costs, state courts' attitudes, complications in school finance systems, national attention on local policies, and the need for policymakers to broaden their concerns. (KS)

A six-step plan that helps manage school decline is presented. (DCS)

This document reviews how performance indicators are currently being used in several Commonwealth countries the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and identifies some of the issues associated with performance indicator development and application. It also examines whether there are any agreed upon "key", or common, indicators that…

There are many excellent scientists in the natural and human sciences in Canada's small universities. If the institutions implement internal procedures to encourage and foster a research climate and if research councils consider alternative strategies for research funding, research productivity could expand greatly in quality and scope. (MSE)

This report provides state-by-state figures concerning tax appropriations for the operating expenses of state colleges and universities. Included are an overall analysis of the recent 2-year changes in appropriations, an analysis by geographical region, and the trends in state support. Also highlighted in this analysis are the appropriation levels…

This report focuses on the group benefits available to Illinois public higher education employees. The study provides a perspective on the range of benefits and the differences in the administration of institutional benefits. Findings reveal the availability of retirement annuities that increase with each 10 years of service; optional retirement…

A reflection and training workshop held in Accra (Ghana) brought together African university presidents, vice-chancellors, rectors, and top-level administrators to discuss three themes: first, the nature and functions of higher education institutions; second, leadership and organization of the higher education institution; and, third, resource…

A state mandated evaluation study was done of certain programs and activities of the Mississippi Commissioner's Office of the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) including the Commissioner's Fund and operations of university foundations and athletic programs. This report presents findings, recommendations, and documentation, as well as responses…

A study commissioned by the Milwaukee Federated Library System identified problems and proposed organizational strategies towards their solution. A manifest problem with research and reference service cost allocations led to Milwaukee County's withholding of funds, while latent problems were identified in the interlibrary book circulation system.…

This study examines the results of decremental state budgeting on Minnesota elementary and secondary education during the 1981-83 biennium, a period of sudden fiscal crisis. Using the fiscal reports of various departments of Minnesota State government and interviews with state officials, the author narrates the sequence of revenue shortfalls and…

The 1984 Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act provides federal funds to states to develop quality vocational education programs in job training, retraining, and skills upgrading, to assure equal access to programs, to assist economically depressed areas to raise employment and occupational competencies, and to promote greater cooperation…

This newsletter summarizes the debate on the use of state-level initiatives as levers to effect fundamental changes in higher education. It provides several perspectives on the use of incentive/enhancement programs to achieve state higher education goals. The concept of budgetary leverage is outlined, and the growth in enhancement programs…

This paper examines some general principles affecting the timing, extent, and direction of fiscal changes in public school finance systems. To develop a framework that is applicable to a wide variety of states, the analysis concentrates on two dimensions: allocation and distribution. The median voter model and the fiscal neutrality model of state…

A summary is presented of the 1985-87 community college operating budget request for the Washington State Community colleges, along with a description of the policy considerations inherent in the request and the anticipated effect of the request on community college programs. The philosophy and objectives underpinning the budget request are…