Policymakers, child care providers, and parents face tradeoffs in determining how much to spend on child care, including how many hours to purchase, and the features of programs that might influence quality. Given these tradeoffs, it is useful to understand what constitutes quality, the cost of care features associated with quality, the effects of…

This paper explores research and literature related to professional learning communities (PLCs) and describes their attributes and structures, the impact of different environments in which professional learning communities can be sustained, and the benefits for staff and students. There is consensus that PLCs can improve professional practice and…

This paper is intended to provide a solid base of information about the treatment of indirect university research costs in various jurisdictions and to highlight some of the factors that have contributed to increased interest in the issues surrounding the funding of indirect costs of research. University research in Ontario has continued to evolve…

Review of the status of public library user fees highlights arguments against fees (discrimination against poorer elements of society; libraries provide services of value to society as whole and justify public financing); efficient allocation of resources; situation in Canadian province of Saskatchewan; and the typical Canadian library user. (17…

This paper explores some definitions of school-based budgeting and other forms of decentralization, attempts to determine the extent of their adoption, develops some indications of decentralization results, and provides suggestions for further research directions. The paper addresses (1) how often decentralization involving a change in resource…

The United Kingdom's Education Reform Bill of 1987 is designed to bring major changes in funding policy, governance, and conditions of faculty appointment. Similarities in policy direction in Canada and the United Kingdom suggest that the British situation may predict some aspects of the future of Canadian higher education. (MSE)

Task modulation is being examined as a means for improved utilization of human resources and greater flexibility within departments of Quebec universities. In this paper (written in French), a definition for this concept is proposed, the literature is reviewed, and prerequisite and other conditions critical to successful implementation are…

A comparison of how American and Canadian universities receive and spend funds using data from fiscal year 1991-92 explored the link between general economic conditions and the financial health of universities. The analysis found that with respect to revenue patterns, Canadian universities receive their funds mainly from provincial governments…

This report summarizes 22 recent empirical studies on the cost-effectiveness of military training reported by countries that participate in The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), i.e., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A discussion of the methodology used to summarize the studies is followed by a…

The decline in research and publications in the field of the economics of education are examined. Topics researched are identified: resource allocation, productivity of education institutions, alternative modes for financing institutions and students, and rationalization of the supply of places through educational and human resources training.…

School districts dependent on outside resources must develop skills for securing educational resources, including competencies in collaborative, creative, and principled resource management. Constructive negotiations between local and provincial levels of government can improve relationships and support the development of collaborative…

Analyzes economic and social costs of functional illiteracy in industrialized countries, highlighting Canada and the United States. Identifies the functionally illiterate and the illiteracy-poverty cycle. Estimates the cost of Canadian illiteracy is between $4.2 and $10.7 billion. Suggests measures for preventing adult illiteracy, including…

Literature dealing with the economics of postsecondary education (but generally excluding university research), which was published in Canada or dealt with Canada, and which appeared in English language publications from 1971 to 1981, is reviewed. The following topics are addressed: resource allocation, and particularly returns to investment in…

Since 1968, Quebec province has subsidized private schools by a voucher system. This analytical literature review describes that system; summarizes information since 1968 on Quebec private schooling; and compares, using price theoretic concepts, Quebec's public and private education sectors in terms of economically efficient resource allocation.…