Examines factors currently affecting the viability of small elementary schools (90 students or less) in England and Wales. While centralization of educational control since 1988 has worsened the educational and economic environment for small schools, locally based support strategies (interschool cooperation, anti-closure campaigns, voluntary fund…

South Africa's black universities face declining interest among black students, who now have more options than under apartheid. The crisis comes as South Africa considers ways to restructure its postsecondary-education system to cut costs and avoid duplication. While black enrollments are rising at other institutions, the numbers of all students…

Many school districts in sparsely populated areas of the Midwest and West are contending with dwindling enrollments. Nevertheless, small communities such as Robinson, North Dakota, are resisting pressure from the state and neighboring districts to merge with other school systems. A graph depicts North Dakota enrollment since 1963. Arguments for…

This study analyzed the development of the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) to see how resources, "investment on the margin," and environmental forces have changed the institution from a "domestic" to a "wild" institution. "Wild" and "domestic" are ways of conceptualizing the…

The history of the idea of service at municipally-controlled institutions of higher education from the 19th century through 1930 is presented. Currently, as Americans are pursuing a search for their roots, many social institutions are focussing attention on building a viable sense of community, on inclusion and a more all-encompassing sense of…

During a period of projected declining enrollments some years ago, colleges and universities began looking to business and industry for models and methods to achieve stability and exhibit accountability. Zero-based budgeting, computerized record keeping, and planned-programmed-budgeting systems found their way to college campuses. A trend to…

Data from a 2002 study indicate that small private colleges have been closing at an alarming rate. These institutions seldom possess the resources that might enable them to respond flexibly to changes in their environment, and rising operating costs and inadequate endowments leave them at a competitive disadvantage compared with public colleges…

A case study of Oneida High School (Oneida, Tennessee) in December 1997 examined influences and unique circumstances that sustained the school in the face of possible closure and enabled it to "flourish." The study included structured interviews with over 70 individuals in the school and community, focus groups, and informal…

Discusses tribal colleges' struggles with lower-than-promised federal appropriations, including difficulties related to governance and planning and the threat of closure. Describes possible alternate means of funding, such as forward funding one year in advance, funding from state governments, and private funding from tribal governments or private…

Three categories of options for colleges dealing with reduced resources are defensive reactions, constructive structuring and flexibility, and long-term new directions. Areas toward which resources need to be redirected, however, include broadening educational options for minority youth and encouraging client-centered and goal-oriented learning.…

Prospects and problems facing historically black institutions/colleges (HBIs) are reviewed, beginning with data from 38 publicly supported 4-year HBIs. Alternative models for HBIs include the following: (1) comprehensive public institutions; (2) academically specialized institutions for particular programs; and (3) comprehensive public…

A strategic planning model for enrollment-dependent private colleges is offered. Essential components include an active, creative admissions office, a market-sensitive academic program, a financial buffer, a disciplined budget system, and coordinated leadership from the president, academic programs, admissions, and the finance office. (MSE)

Reports on a case study of a rural school district in the U.S. northwest that coped with declining school population and loss of revenues because of closure of mining operations during the 1980s. The report analyzes the problem-solving and decision-making activities which encouraged grass-roots leadership and community cooperation. (SM)

Examines German university system prior to and after reunification of East and West. Reports few former Eastern students attending university in the West, primarily for economic reasons; many vacated East German faculty positions filled by West German academics. Looking ahead, the report sees major changes, including baccalaureate programs in…

New Mexico's Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development has survived major loss of federal funding and subsequent retrenchment, watched enrollment rise, and begun construction of a new campus. The institute is dedicated to study, creative application, preservation, and care of Indian arts and culture, and houses…