This document contains information about the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's six initiatives and comments from participants at the annual Policy Seminar, sponsored jointly by the department and the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL), July 11-13, 1994. The document contains the participants' comments regarding the…

This report examines variations between school districts and across the states in the quantities of the various types of revenues received for educational programs and services. It builds on some of the analysis techniques introduced in an earlier National Center for Education Statistics publication, "Disparities in Public School…

This paper addresses school choice, one proposal to address parental involvement concerns, focusing on historical background, definitions, rationale for advocating choice, implementation strategies, and implications for minorities and low-income families. In the past, transfer payment programs such as tuition tax credits and vouchers were…

An overview of the constitutionality of various state public education finance systems is presented. Issues addressed include education as a fundamental right mandated by the education clause of state constitutions and the impact of the equal protection clause on the education clause. Criteria for successful challenges to state school finance…

Despite significant improvements in the acquisition and use of learning technologies by schools with large percentages of minority students, data collected by the New York State Education Department indicate that schools serving predominantly black and minority students--many of whom are economically disadvantaged--do not provide access to…

The primary organizational structure for a city's schools is the district. Its critics, however, consider that dysfunction was designed into school districts structure by virtue of their history. District structure was built on the notions that intelligence was innate, that the "scientific management" model produced optimal results, and that…

This paper describes the vision and goals of the School Communities That Work task force. This group envisions a new kind of school district: the local education support system. It marshals all of a city's resources to provide schools, students, and teachers with needed support and timely interventions; ensures that schools have the power and…

Assesses the present state of the art of educational economics in developing countries. Introduces papers in this special issue that address the roles of organization, incentives, and public (financial) priorities in shaping more efficient, equitable educational outcomes. For economists to influence outcomes, the behavioral relationships shaping…

Explores the background and context of the Australian federal government's new postcompulsory education and training policies. Examines the social, economic, and political context surrounding policy development and the "stitching together" of competing interests. The resulting policy directions, linking goals to equity issues, represent…

An unnatural, selective school crisis envelopes the poor, the cities, and Latino and African American communities. Structures of privilege and oppression apparent in the larger society are mirrored in schools. The perspectives of principal Deborah Meier, novelist Toni Morrison, and poet Adrienne Rich lend credence to empowerment and…

New Standards Project is consortium of 17 states and 6 leading school districts working with cluster of specialists to design and implement system of performance standards, authentic assessments, and professional development aimed at improving educational equity and excellence. New matrix examinations and portfolios will yield results that can be…

After visiting 30 inner-city schools in New York City, Chicago, San Antonio, Ohio, and New Jersey, the acclaimed author of "Death at an Early Age" concludes that public schools remain more separate and unequal than they were 27 years ago. Instead of embracing vouchers for school choice, we should support and fund genuine equality for all…

After a funding-equity victory, there is no guarantee that districts will adopt effective programs to improve student achievement. Programs with the greatest payoff for disadvantaged students include early-childhood programs, one-on-one tutoring, Success for All, James Comer's School Development Program, and extensive staff development. (38…

Examines development of the equalization idea in American public education, discusses theorists' applications of equalization to school finance, reviews the literature on school-finance reform-litigation effects, and concludes that U.S. history has not strongly supported equalization of educational opportunities. Education is not a fundamental…

Tests should be used by educators to help students of different backgrounds and abilities achieve their full potential. The goals of guaranteeing excellence via promotion of high academic standards and ensuring equal educational opportunities are inseparable, mutually dependent goals. State reform efforts and fairness issues are examined. (MLH)