Describes the educational aid formula for allocating federal funds under Title I of the Elementary Secondary Education Act of 1965, discusses a number of problems inherent in that formula, and examines some alternative formulas recently considered by Congress in an effort to improve the allocation of Title I funds. (JG)

A case study of Arizona's 1979-80 legislative session on school finance and tax reform, using survey data and interviews with legislators and representatives of special interest groups, found that no particular special interests shaped educational finance policy but that the teacher association was less effective than other groups. (RW)

Considers the implications for school boards and school officials of recent litigation under Section 1983 of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1871. Reviews the issues of official status under the law, immunity to suits, good faith defences, and liability for damages. (RW)

Canadian humorist Steven Leacock once told a story about a jockey who became so upset over bad news that he leaped on his horse and rode off in all directions. According to this author, that action well summarizes the condition of the State of Arkansas after receiving a Supreme Court order to provide an equal and adequate education to the children…

This article explores issues of persistent poverty and income inequality. The major focus is that of the alleviation of poverty. Is there a framework that delineates the roles for government, market forces and self-reliance that can effect a reduction in the level of poverty? The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act…

Examines current trends in school finance reform and discusses some of the recent approaches taken by various states in modifying their educational finance schemes. Describes many of the political pressures working for and against the adoption of certain financial reforms. (JG)

Analyzes the content and impact of federal legislation governing federal aid for Indian education, discusses the financial status of Indian elementary and secondary schools in New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Washington, and presents several alternative formulas for financing Indian education. (Author/JG)

In 1984, the Utah legislature enacted a career ladder bill encouraging all local districts to develop plans for restructuring teachers' compensation and promotion options. An independent, bipartisan taskforce then created a statewide, decentralized model that increases educators' power, minimizes merit and staff differentiation, and fosters…

Oklahoma Congressman James R. Jones reviews the history of the federal government's participation in funding education, discusses issues posed by recent reports on excellence in education, suggests what the federal response should be to these reports, and examines current federal financing in light of budgeting, authorization, and appropriation…

Gender discrimination and wage inequity remain problems worldwide. In the United States and Canada, where equal rights and protective legislation have been in place for nearly 40 years, glaring disparities in salaries and job opportunities remain. Similar problems have been studied in the United Kingdom, leading to enactment of the 1975 Sex…

The California case of Senate Bill 90 displays the changing nature of state education coalitions and demonstrates the usefulness of coalition concepts advanced by William Riker for analyzing the success and direction of school finance legislation. (Author/IRT)

Unless legislative or judicial action is taken, the current high volume of student loans will likely encourage frequent utilization of Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 for unintended purposes. (Author/IRT)

Examines the use of the lease purchase of school facilities in Texas; provides background on the use of lease purchases by Texas school districts; describes factors influencing the use of lease purchases and superintendents' experiences based on survey responses from 50 school districts; recommends careful evaluation of advantages and…

The California Supreme Court catalyzed school finance litigation with its rulings in the "Serrano v. Priest" cases. The court's required that wealth-related spending differences essentially be eliminated, the legislation required to implement that decision, and the passage of Proposition 13's property tax limitation has resulted in…