The role of the state in funding California's community colleges may change in the wake of Proposition 13 cutbacks. Any system of statewide support must be developed around several assumptions: (1) state support will increase; (2) the college mission will remain unchanged; (3) educational demand will continue to play a substantial role in how the…

In this series of aphoristic remarks about the situation of English teachers in the junior college, the following topics are discussed: administrative structure and accountability; teacher load; part time instructors and professionalism; Proposition 13; literacy and junior college students; evaluation of student papers; careerism in teachers and…

In response to advocates of an expanded mission for community colleges, this three-part monograph examines the conflict between aspirations for continuing mission development and financial constraints. Part I reviews the development of six aspects of the current community college mission: transfer, vocational, developmental, continuing education,…

This book argues that better management of money is more important than in the past if the nation is to raise the achievement of all students. Chapter 1, "Introduction," describes the book's origins and objectives. Chapter 2, "Setting the Stage," offers the goals of facilitating cost-efficient levels of achievement for all,…

Five interpretations of equity are examined as they relate to the distribution of public goods and services. The first principle, utilitarianism, maintains that individuals are free to pursue their own interests and are rewarded according to contributions. The second principle, needs, is the basis of communist societies in which each gives…

Describes a study of two community colleges and ten community college administrators to determine whether federal policies had influence on these institutions. Proposes a new policy framework, based on the findings, with five dimensions: (1) federal research support; (2) federal tax laws; (3) federal student financial aid; (4) funded mandates; and…

This paper describes current school-funding policy issues in Washington State. The first part examines how Initiative 601, an initiative aimed at curbing state taxes and spending, will create fiscal instability for school districts. Difficulties include an expected growth in school enrollment exceeding population growth, an expected growth of…

Factors to be considered when developing a new formula for financing public education in Connecticut are discussed in light of the Horton v. Meskill ruling, which declared Connecticut's financing method in violation of the state constitution. Formulas used by other states that may be applicable to Connecticut are also examined. (SF)

This paper explores the ways in which community colleges in the United States are financed. It offers a historical overview of community college financing in the U.S., arguing that from their inception, they have operated on the premise of providing wide access to higher education through public funding at little or no cost to students. The paper…

This report describes a study aimed to help education advocates protect public schools and services from the effects of certain types of economic development subsidies. These subsidies include cutting companies' property taxes and granting long-term diversions of certain districts' property taxes to corporations making investment in those…

College community services, traditionally funded by the levy of special purpose taxes, have been threatened by the passage of Proposition 13 and the resultant abolishment of permissive taxes. Survey data show that the average budget cut for community services was at least 50%. These cuts resulted in: (1) a 76% increase in "fee" courses…

This paper discusses the growing segments of postsecondary education that are cutting into the market niche developed by community colleges, such as for-profit institutions offering degrees at costs substantially below those of traditional schools. More institutions often mean more competition for state funding and students (tuition revenue). The…

To provoke public discussion about the role state aid should play in Vermont public education and to make a case for a state aid system structured on the broad principles of equal opportunity, fair tax burdens, and adequate funding levels, this booklet examines Vermont's system of school finance, attempting to highlight its history and its present…

Funding and enrollment issues facing higher education are considered in two articles. In "Funding for Higher Education Enrollment Shifts in the 80s," David S. Spence outlines the decline in number of traditional college-age students; the trend to older, part-time, place-bound students; the increasing demands for remedial, continuing, and…

This summary provides an overview of developments in school finance litigation since the United States Supreme Court's historic and lamentable 1973 ruling in "San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez" that wealth-based discrimination in educational expenditures does not violate the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to…