In 2003 the Danish government reformed universities to "set them free" from the state. Yet ministers are actively trying to shape universities and even set research agendas. How does the government's notion of "freedom" reconcile independence with control? We identify three discourses of freedom: freedom to use academic…

Outlines six ways in which educational finance is more fragmented and filled with conflict than it was fifteen years ago, and looks at the differences and relationships between the traditional school finance community and the new advocates of reform. (Author/IRT)

Recounts the less obvious deleterious impact that Proposition 13 has had on education in California. (IRT)

Devolution to Scotland, Wales and (intermittently) Northern Ireland was one of the major constitutional reforms initiated by the new Labour Government when it took office in 1997. This was largely a political project, and one of devolution's key successes was largely to halt, at least for a while, political debates about the position of Scotland…

Like most States, New Mexico's legislature grants not only basic foundation money for public schools but also a small percentage of additional discretionary funds. While the foundation money is almost always dispersed in light of a rigid formula, the discretionary funds present the opportunity for political bargaining. While hardly of as obvious…

The works of Jurgen Habermas, James O'Connor, and Alan Wolfe, key authors in the field of current U.S. educational policies, are reviewed to further understanding of current educational change in the present politics of capitalist society. (CJB)

Examines the differences in attitude toward education in the two political parties' platforms and candidates for president, but observes that overall federal policy trends have reduced the ability of the federal government to intervene in a major way in education. (Author/IRT)

Describes the difficulties faced by AmeriCorps. The laws that govern this national service program have not been updated. Although the Bush administration is expected to increase the number of participants, the long-term health and effectiveness of the program will depend on whether Congress and the administration can agree on legislation to…

Presents the Secretary's views on efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education or reducing basic education programs. Contends that funding education should not be a partisan process subject to the uncertainties of budget-cutting politics. Emphasizes the necessity of investing in the education of children as a long-term investment…

Foresees another encounter between the courts and the political system of the democracy over the issue of equalizing educational expenditure. (DM)

Outlines the components of the networks supporting school finance reform (increasing spending to increase equity) and supporting spending or tax limitations. Discusses areas of conflict between the two networks. Available from Transaction Periodicals Consortium, Dept. 541, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. (IRT)

Uses a political fragmentation index to calculate how political power affects educational spending in Virginia. Compares different political voices relative to each other, examines the role of power distribution, and considers political fragmentation across several dimensions. Along with traditional demand variables, interest group pressures…

The intent of these comments is to discuss the increasingly fragmented and conflictive politics of school finance in the context of the broader domains of public finance and public policy, and to comment on differences that have emerged between two groups interested in fairer school financing programs. The sources of conflict are in the struggle…