The effects of class size on academic achievement have been studied for decades. Although the results of small-scale, randomized experiments and large-scale, econometric studies point to positive effects of small classes, some scholars see the evidence as ambiguous. Recent analyses from a 4-year, large-scale, randomized experiment on the effects…

This report is one of nine detailed case studies of small urban high schools that served as the foundation for the Education Resource Strategies (ERS) report "Strategic Designs: Lessons from Leading Edge Small Urban High Schools." These nine schools were dubbed "Leading Edge Schools" because they stand apart from other high…

The economic consequences and political context of the busing plan of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district (North Carolina) are explored. From an economic standpoint, busing did more to help Charlotte's business elite catch up with Atlanta's business elite than to help Charlotte's blacks catch up with Charlotte's whites. The developmental…

The state role in educational funding as a major educational policy issue is discussed in this digest. The school finance system debate has been stimulated by property tax issues, changing demographic and economic conditions, emphasis on qualitative improvement, and school restructuring. Implications for local administrators include increased…

The experiences of beginning teachers (female and male teachers in urban and rural areas) in Manitoba are examined in this study. Questionnaires were mailed to the approximately 300 beginning teachers identified. The 148 who responded constitute the sample: 107 females--61 at urban schools, 46 at rural schools; and 41 males--32 at urban schools…

This volume contains a series of papers written for a symposium entitled "Adult Education and Allocation Policy in Sweden." Intended to provide a broader framework for analyzing allocation policy in adult education, the first paper is organized around the assumption that the effects of allocation policy both on participants and society…

Information about deans that may be helpful to department chairs is presented, based on the findings of four national surveys of deans. The surveys of social science, graduate, continuing education, and arts and sciences deans covered the deans' role in resource allocation to departments, teaching and research support for faculty, tenure and…

The purpose of this essay is to briefly survey from a global point of view theoretical and empirical issues related to the economics of early childhood education and day care. The first section of the essay takes up issues in two broad areas of policy: (1) social efficiency, and (2) opportunity and equity. The first class of issues implies a…

This study examines the persistent gap in educational attainment and resources between the children of the rich and the children of the poor. Three areas are studied: (1) the causal relationships producing a relatively constant gap in resource allocations and educational attainment (years of schooling) which favors the advantaged; (2) why this…

The need for a new approach to federal support of education by reducing the number of narrow categorical aid programs is developed through a case study of the 1976 Ford Administration proposal for a consolidated block grant of 24 separate authorities. The merits of block grant funding are examined both in terms of the administration-sponsored bill…

Issues concerning federally sponsored student financial aid programs are discussed, and an overview is presented on the six student assistance programs included within Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, plus veterans benefits under the G.I. Bill and education benefits under Social Security (OASDI). Information is presented on…

The educational policy of the British Labor Party stresses the provision of quality education regardless of social class background. In a time of downward economic spiral, the Labor Party is committed to education for social justice through the redistribution of resources and research priorities, as well as the reorganization of the educational…

This annotated bibliography lists approximately 200 selected publications dealing with the acquisition and distribution of educational funds. Writings concerned with the broader problems of educational economics were considered beyond the scope of this bibliography and are not included. With the exception of literature dealing with the history of…

This paper reviews early research at the national level on the implementation and effects of the Department of Education's block grant, Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Findings are summarized under six topics: funds allocation, educational service delivery, program administration, program assessment, decision…

This bulletin provides an overview of the ways in which school districts and schools are making learning a priority in schools despite scarce resources. it describes how districts and schools make use of resources, instructional strategies, and policies to overcome the barriers caused by tight budgets. Examples from Oregon schools are provided.…