Reviews national interests in education and considers the effectiveness of different forms of federal grants in addressing those interests. Concludes that providing equalization aid is the only appropriate purpose for block grants since such grants do not encourage state and local agencies to concern themselves with national priorities. (PGD)

Based on a review of the general features and findings of 40 published works, some estimates of the impact on educational spending of categorical grants, matching grants, block grants, and general revenue sharing grants are provided. Some conceptual and statistical issues are discussed. (Author/BW)

Four types of federal grants used to address national concerns of educational equity are examined and evaluated: general aid to education, categorical grants for educational equity, block grants for specific groups of equity programs, and matching grants for educational equity. (CT)

Empirical literature on the effects of intergovernmental grants on educational spending is reviewed in this document, which examines 40 published works covering the last two decades. Intergovernmental grants include both state grants to local governments and federal grants to state and local governments. The review's first section summarizes…