Proposes a method of accurately predicting neighborhood population through the idea of a neighborhood life cycle that draws a connection between the overall projected population and the specific demographic characteristics of individual neighborhoods. (MLF)

Describes how to use demographic studies to project school enrollments. Includes collecting historical enrollment data, contacting the state department of health and vital statistics, selecting an enrollment-projection method, meeting with local planning and construction department officials, determining the age of the community, and performing…

Explores current trends in school enrollment, projected enrollment through 2000, and implications for educators. A new baby "boomette", beginning in 1973 and peaking in 1988, will increase school enrollments throughout the 1990s. After 1995, kindergarten enrollment will decline and secondary enrollment, now steadily declining, will…

Enrollment forecasting is based on six basic environmental assumptions: fertility and birth rates, infant mortality rates, economic conditions, organizational structure and boundaries, organizational and administrative policy, and natural disasters and climatic conditions. The most common mathematical forecasting methods include cohort-survival…

Strategic planning is a long-term planning process that allows school leaders to decide where they want to go and how they intend to get there. The procedure is outlined graphically, and a hypothetical example illustrates the steps of the process. (MLF)

To make effective long-term plans, school districts need enrollment projections obtained from objective census-style data and the more subjective information available through interviews with local decision-makers. (MLF)

In addition to cost savings, modular classrooms enable school districts to respond quickly to increased enrollments. Government officials and school administrators have endorsed modular technology because of three major benefits: (1) design advantages; (2) upgrade in finishes; and (3) financing trends. (MLF)

A systematic approach to school redistricting that was developed over the past half-dozen years utilizes a computer. Crucial to achieving successful results are accuracy of data, enrollment forecasting, and citizen participation. Outlines the major steps of a typical redistricting study. One figure illustrates the redistricting process. (MLF)

An older population and an increasing number of minorities, along with a demand for a highly skilled work force, indicate that federal involvement in education will increase. In the long term, states with low tax bases and low-achieving students will receive federal funds. (MLF)

Maps are becoming essential strategic components for school business officials. The power of the personal computer is bringing map analysis programs down to the desktop level. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will help business managers display student data, analyze school boundaries, route buses and maintenance vehicles, chart home values,…

The long-standing sentiment driving consolidation into larger school districts has shifted, though research shows no consensus on right size. Larger districts appear to benefit students from more affluent backgrounds, while penalizing those from poorer backgrounds. Different sets of organizational dilemmas arise from increasing or decreasing…

Traces the history of education in America as it moved from a theological basis in colonial times to a current scientific basis. Explains that throughout history education has been the subject of much debate, and behind each proposal for school reform lie assumptions about the nature of the universe, human life, and society. (16 references) (MLF)

Describes racial and ethnic demographic changes in the United States, created in part by high rates of immigration; their impact on the size and composition of elementary and secondary schools; and the budget implications for school districts. (PKP)

Chris Pipho has identified five factors contributing to teacher shortages: changing demographics, higher enrollment, dwindling teacher supply, competition from industry, and cumbersome certification requirements. Recruiting minority teachers is even more essential than targeting vulnerable subject areas. Strategies for recruiting and retaining…

High-growth school districts can learn from Park City, Utah, about the adoption of school facility impact fees. These fees are levied against new residential units to offset the additional costs to a school district. A sidebar summarizes variation in state laws pertaining to impact fees and cites some legal challenges to their imposition. (MLF)