Describes the political values operating to allow the Illinois finance reform legislation to be passed in 1973, outlines the legislation and subsequent amendments to the reform, and discusses evaluative research done on the reform. (Author/IRT)

Extensive review of the research literature on the impact of school finance litigation on finance reform. Classifies 200 studies reviewed into four groups: general literature, single-state studies, multi-state studies, and direct litigation-effect studies. Concludes that litigation contributed to higher levels of school funding. (Contains 113…

Examined whether Michigan's elementary charter schools' expenditures differ from those of comparable-enrollment local districts. During 1995-96, charters spent an average of 57 percent of revenues on instruction and about 43 percent on support services, compared to 65 and 35 percent for comparable districts. Charters' administrative expenditures…

Thus far, Florida's school funding system has withstood equity-based attacks. Florida's new, clearly defined accountability standards, coupled with newly strengthened constitutional wording regarding education, may succeed in persuading courts that "adequate provision" is not being met. The statewide voucher system may also attract…

Compares state funding for school infrastructure needs between 1993-94 and 1998-99. Found 164 percent increase in state infrastructure funding. Examines state funding mechanisms such as flat grants, equalized grants, categorical grants, and full-state funding. Fourteen states provide no state infrastructure funding; most rely instead on…

Assesses the impact of state school finance reform legislation in the seventies on state and local distribution of educational funds, and concludes that expenditure disparities (between rich and poor districts) has increased nationally. (PKP)

Discusses selected allocation issues that address the adaptive capacity of the present higher education policy system, including present allocations and concurrent rationales for legitimacy in the postsecondary policy system, three challenges that affect present patterns of higher education allocations, and problems in predicting the future…

Summarizes changes in state tax laws and tax revenues, including income, sales, and motor fuel taxes, and presents data on public school revenues and expenditures. (RW)

Reviews recent litigation involving the duty of state and local education agencies to provide year-round instruction for handicapped students and to support children placed in private facilities. Two questions arise: What constitutes an appropriate program? What is the role of the school in serving the needs of all children? (Author/IRT)

The Kentucky constitution's intent was to found a free system of common schools. Historically, local support for Kentucky public schools has left much to be desired. Taxpayer reluctance to support schools through local property taxation is exacerbated by state legislation overtly discouraging this approach. Efficiency is, therefore, impossible.…

Reviews changes in the Texas public school finance system since a 1989 Texas Supreme Court decision declaring the system unconstitutional. Preliminary analysis of two funding scenarios shows movement toward greater equity. Horizontal equity progress may be partially negated by new provisions addressing taxpayer equity. Program adequacy…