This publication is the first of a series of reports on the Alaska School Finance Study. This published report essentially covers the informational phase of the study, describing in detail the principles, basic data on current funding, and trends that comprise the current situation in educational finance nationally and in Alaska. Separate chapters focus in turn on the organization of the school system, school finance reform issues and implications for Alaska, methods of financing Alaska schools, and an analysis of financial information on Alaska schools. The appendix presents data on the enrollment and grade levels of Alaska school districts, describes in detail Alaska's current public school foundation program, presents the text of Alaska's public school foundation statute, and presents data on unit allotments for Alaska school districts and Regional Education Attendance Areas. A bibliography of relevant publications is also included. (Author/JG)