State aid programs for local schools have not kept pace with New York State's ambitious, revamped Regents examination program. This paper explains a method for developing a comprehensive education cost index and shows how to incorporate it into a performance-based foundation aid system. (Contains 36 references.) (MLH)

Presents a proposal to achieve major finance reform goals by providing property tax relief and increasing state funding out of income-tax receipts, relying on Illinois' growth dividend. The plan is funded by proportional taxes and would make school reform more politically palatable to affluent taxpayers. (28 footnotes) (MLH)

In an analysis of the National Endowment for the Arts, which represents the national government's direct involvement in support of the arts, the author considers that agency's impact, its policy changes, its funding priorities, and its politicization since 1965. (SJL)

In the 24 states providing special funding for small, rural, isolated schools, five factors are used to determine eligibility (pupil enrollment, number of teachers, population sparcity, isolation, local effort) and three means are used to direct funds (weighting for basic support, minimal support levels, size adjustment). (LC)

State equalization programs for school funding have been structured around variously weighted combinations of district wealth, tax effort and student need. For rural and small school districts, these programs have not always provided adequate financing. Nine rural school finance alternatives are suggested. (MH)

Many community colleges are struggling to find alternative sources of funding. This article presents a case study of a community college that established a foundation. It examines why the foundation was begun, what factors influenced its development, and how it has evolved over time. Contains 41 references. (TGO)

All students need some level of mathematics understanding for tertiary academic study (academic numeracy) and yet many preparatory and foundation programs for international students either include mathematics courses based on a school curriculum, or no mathematics at all. For the past fifteen years the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has…

Data are analyzed in support of the conclusion that fiscal neutrality has nearly been achieved since 1974 legislation mandating uniform tax rates and a foundation program of school aid. Remaining disparities in per pupil revenue and expenditure are interpreted as a function of varying pupil and school district needs. (MJL)

This article traces the development of community education in Hawaii, focusing on efforts to disseminate the concept, to gain state support, and to secure funding. Part of a theme issue on community education. (SJL)

Reviews several basic risk-reward techniques to assist community college fund managers in reassessing sources of private funding for nongovernmental, not-for-profit foundations. Describes several tools for formulating an investment strategy. Indicates that administrators of foundation funds should consider the tradeoff between more risky…

Virginia's school funding system is characterized by large inequalities and inadequacy. Disparities are increased when the state fails to pay for the full cost of education, state funding is inadequate, facilities are not state-funded, funding rewards only wealthy localities, and ability to pay is measured inaccurately. (Contains 25 references.)…

Interviews involving 58 Ohio stakeholders focused on detailing state K-12 education goals, identifying the current system's strengths and weaknesses, and discussing the financial/political viability of potential school funding strategies. Consensus emerged regarding the role of property taxes, local control, the foundation formula rationale, and…

Focuses on key policy issues surrounding the provisions of state-funded prekindergarten programs. Issues examined include program standards, stability, and continuity; program funding; coordination and continuity of educational services; program eligibility; and the relationship between prekindergarten programs and educational reform. (Author/BB)

Analyzes three post-reform years in school finance in Minnesota (1973, 1979, and 1982) by examining approaches to equity in the use of foundation revenue and foundation aid, and in the corresponding tax rates. Finds that legislative and local alterations in the original finance reforms have increased revenue disparities among districts. (JW)

Reorganization in the National Science Foundation's science education section is discussed. Personnel changes and changes in funding in 1990 are emphasized. (CW)