Discusses the changing nature of UNESCO's approach to attaining worldwide literacy. Argues that any initiative in formal education or adult literacy depends on political engagement at the highest level, mobilization of necessary financial and human resources, and genuine popular participation. Suggests finding a common language to improve the…

Describes problems with vocational and technical education in China. Asserts that (1) school density is too high and size is too low; (2) the establishment of specializations is irrational; (3) the ratio of students to relevant employment is low; (4) teaching materials for the specializations are inadequate; and (5) teacher training and employment…

A survey of 522 colleges and universities investigated the impact of health care reform proposals. Results provide an overview of typical current medical plan design, including coverage for part- and full-time employees, and give insight into attitudes toward the idea of regional health alliances, a potentially useful reform approach. (MSE)

This article presents arguments in favor of the federal government providing loans directly to higher education students (without intermediate lenders and secondary markets). It explains loan funding, processing, fund dispersal, college responsibilities, and remaining legislative hurdles. It attempts to dispel myths, such as that direct loans…

The general structure of higher education finance in Germany and current and possible future developments in German higher education financing are analyzed. A shift from input budgeting to a more output-oriented steering of higher education is identified. Methods of dealing with the problems introduced by new mechanisms of decision making and fund…

Historical data, projections of selected populations, particularly poor and Hispanic groups, and educational issues arising from the trends are examined as they relate to educational finance in the future. New educational financing options are suggested to augment current government-sponsored student aid to respond better to emerging societal…

Since 1980, Educational Research Service has conducted extensive surveys of school district revenues and expenditures. National and regional revenues are displayed in three figures and two tables. For comparative purposes, a table of 48 separate budget categories with per pupil expenditure and percent of current expenditures is provided. (MLF)

Results of a recent national survey concerning the financing of medical education in the United States are reported, including information on data sources and characteristics, notes on medical school financial reporting patterns, a breakdown of public and private medical school revenues and expenditures, and medical student financial assistance…

Australia's new policy of encouraging higher education to market its services to foreign students and introduce fees is examined. It is suggested that higher education needs to give more attention to long-term implications of the policy, including pricing, marketing, obtaining feedback, and clarity of communication with other cultural groups. (MSE)

In excerpts from alumni magazines, the treasurers of Haverford College (Pennsylvania) and Wake Forest University (North Carolina) communicate issues involved in setting tuition and offer unique approaches to explaining the value that students receive at these private institutions. (MSE)

Highlights three examples that show some schools and districts around the country using Title I funds to support their efforts to improve mathematics achievement. (ASK)

Experiences of different countries in establishing mechanisms to coordinate development of higher education systems, diversify institutional financing, and increase efficiency of public investments are examined. Attention is drawn to the need for effective policy structures to manage higher education, link reform costs to benefits, acknowledge…

A commissioned study on the possible use of vouchers for higher education in Finland is summarized. Because costs vary greatly by discipline, the voucher is defined in terms of time (period of study) rather than money. In the study, five different models were chosen for closer analysis, and comments were received from universities and other…

The higher education systems and financing mechanisms in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland are described. In each, enrollment and productivity, in terms of student flow, are important financing factors. A new budget model developed for Norway is outlined, and efforts to create a cooperative community for higher education in the Nordic countries…

Educators can learn from business people accounting models that can be applied to managerial accounting, integrated information systems, focused/activity-based costing, decentralized information, and mission-driven costing. A sidebar discusses measuring technology's impact. (MLF)