The viability of prepaid tuition plans and whether they would unreasonably limit the choices of institutions students could attend are discussed. Many state legislatures are studying the plans; some favor bond plans because they allow students more choice. (MLW)

Higher education must tell legislatures how the state should raise the money the colleges want to spend--even if it means higher taxes--and then lobby on behalf of those proposals. This also means addressing new and potentially controversial issues about the role of colleges in state politics. (MLW)

This special report reviews problems in Illinois' education funding system and discusses potential solutions to these problems. The report notes that the fundamental problem with the current education finance system is an over-reliance on local property taxes. Although property taxes are a relatively stable and lucrative revenue source,…

A national survey revealed that 13 states have created legislation to assist financially distressed schools. Focusing on two states, Indiana and Pennsylvania, the report outlines different methods they have developed to deal with financially distressed schools. In Pennsylvania a distressed school district is taken over by the state, whereas in…

An analysis is presented of the Illinois Public Community College Unit Cost Study for Fiscal Year (FY) 1980, an annual study using basic enrollment and cost data supplied by college for each instructional area offered. After introductory material, including study highlights and a glossary of terms, district and school data are provided on net…

This staff report details fiscal year 1998 capital improvement budget recommendations of the Illinois State Board of Higher Education. The report recommends funding for 39 higher education capital facility projects at a total cost of $284.5 million, including $40 million for capital renewal projects; $25 million for technology infrastructure in…

This report provides information on design and evaluation of workplace literacy programs (WLPs) to improve work force readiness and an overview of concepts about the nature, uses, and abuses of standardized tests in program evaluation and accountability. Chapter 1 takes a sociohistorical and sociopolitical perspective in discussing the knowledge…

This report summarizes staff recommendations of the Illinois Board of Higher Education concerning budget recommendations for higher education operations and grants for fiscal year 1998. The report also includes recommendations for state appropriated revolving funds, locally held university income funds, and other appropriated funds. Specific…

The Illinois Community College System Performance Report replaces the Results Report and reflects an initial effort to increasingly streamline and integrate state outcomes and progress reporting in Illinois. The fresh approach taken this year further combines qualitative information and quantitative data reporting. The Performance Report is…

This report contains project synopses and evaluations supporting recommendations for funding 25 continuing and 7 new projects in public and nonpublic colleges and universities included in the $1.5 million appropriated for fiscal year 1997 for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program. Selection criteria included: strengthening cooperation among…