This report discusses the 2023-24 Accomplishments and 2024-2025 Priorities and Ongoing Responsibilities for the departments of the New York State Education Department: (1) Office of Counsel; (2) Government Relations; (3) Finance; (4) Public Affairs; (5) P12 Instructional Support; (6) P12 Operational Support; (7) Higher Education; (8) Adult Career…

In New York State, private and religious schools are required to offer a curriculum "substantially equivalent" to what is available in local public schools. Substantial equivalency--which has been law for nearly 130 years--allows parents to direct the education of their children by enrolling them in the school of their choice, while also…

In 2011, the Indiana General Assembly passed a broad and ambitious reform package that significantly altered how teachers and principals are evaluated. Senate Enrolled Act 001 (SEA 1) requires: (1) annual evaluation for all certificated employees; (2) objective measures of student achievement and growth; (3) rigorous measures of effectiveness; (4)…

Describes the issues in an Illinois court case brought by school districts who claim the State is holding back appropriated school funds from one fiscal year to the next. (Author/DN)

This article discusses the tricks of the trade that legislatures in formerly de jure segregated states might use to maintain racial funding disparities in existence before Brown and whether such ploys might be vulnerable to legal challenges. The first section provides an overview of modern school finance formulas and explains how legislatures in…

The rationales for various state-finance distribution formulas, from 1896 to the present, are explained along with the rationales of the lawsuits questioning their validity. Chapter 1 describes attempts at financial equity from 1896 to the 1950s. Chapter 2 examines the current status of financing public education, emphasizing a state's obligation…

Colorado's voucher law was declared unconstitutional by the Colorado Supreme Court on June 28, 2004. Voucher supporters have begun drafting revised legislation designed to address the legal problem. This article calls into question the key financial claim of revenue neutrality--a claim that was central to the promotion and passage of the departing…

Written during the summer and fall immediately following the passage of Proposition 13 (the California tax limitation amendment), this paper examines circumstances leading to its overwhelming support at the polls and the immediate efforts of state and local units of government to cope with the changes. The following are discussed: the political…

The success or failure of an institution on a Finance or State Chancellor's Office audit can depend upon how well the college has maintained an audit trail, recording the total number of hours and students claimed, budget expenditures, average daily attendance generation, disability designations, and Individual Educational Plans. Adequate audit…

Factors to be considered when developing a new formula for financing public education in Connecticut are discussed in light of the Horton v. Meskill ruling, which declared Connecticut's financing method in violation of the state constitution. Formulas used by other states that may be applicable to Connecticut are also examined. (SF)

Officially incorporated in 1965 to advocate for equal opportunity for all, especially students of Hispanic ancestry, and greater opportunities for Hispanic professionals at all levels of the teaching field, the Association of Mexican American Educators, Inc., held its 13th annual conference October 26-28, 1978. The five position papers included in…

The Arkansas school finance equity suit titled "Lakeview vs. Tucker" was heard in 1994, and the state funding formula was declared unconstitutional. With much difficulty, a new law was passed to combine a number of previously categorical funds into the instructional budget. However, the constitutionality of the new law remains in…

The Vocational Education Act of 1963 allows public agencies to purchase the services of private vocational schools on a contractual basis where such schools can make a significant contribution to attaining the objectives of the state plan for vocational education and provide substantially equivalent training at a lower cost or can provide…

Trends in American higher education are surveyed in this report. Focus of the first paper, "Geographies I: A Nation Transforming and Transformed," by Regina M. J. Kyle is on demographic and regional changes affecting higher education. Extensive maps and charts explore the changing nature of American perceptions of the U.S. as a nation…

Information on California public school finance and basic financial principles vital to effective school financial management is provided in this guidebook for school board members. As a result of recent legislative and judicial actions, knowledge about budgeting and financial equity is crucial for policy makers. Five chapters discuss financial…