The growth of college and university endowments, particularly those of elite schools, have drawn the attention of policymakers and pundits. Using a decomposition of the growth of endowments between 1991 and 2010 we simulate the effects of three prominent proposed policies had they been implemented in 1991 on endowment payouts through 2010: (1) a…

Imagine students attending colleges and universities around the country having their financial needs met without the use of federal loans, Pell Grants, and higher education tax credits. In "Starting from Scratch: A New Federal and State Partnership in Higher Education," New America's Higher Education Policy Program shares its vision for…

State law directs the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) to review and comment on the need for new degree and certificate programs proposed by the public higher education systems. The California Legislature, the Administration, and the Legislative Analyst's Office consider the review of proposals for new degree and certificate…

The content of this edition of the State Governance Action Report was informed by newspaper reports, online reports, state and institutional Web sites, and conversations with state and higher education leaders. It is current through February 1, 2011. Much of this legislative activity comes at a time when the fiscal conditions of states are…

With the dissemination of its Innovation Strategy in 2002, the Canadian government further solidified its commitment to a knowledge-based national competitiveness strategy. Through the unfolding of a multi-million dollar Workplace Skills Strategy (WSS) agency, and the launch of two research agencies, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and…

The "No Outsiders" research consortium draws upon the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) notion of a community of practice with a shared focus on "researching approaches to sexualities equality in primary schools". While the word "community", for some, may carry connotations of harmony and even homogeneity,…

Although the federal government dedicated nearly $40 billion to funding student loans in 2006, only 60 percent of potential students from low-income families attend college, compared with 90 percent from high-income families. This paper argues that enrollment rates are lower than they could be because potential students undervalue loan subsidies,…

Through successive rounds of negotiations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) encourages countries to commit their higher education system to the mandates of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The WTO is an organization committed to the aggressive trade liberalization of services like higher education. This ideology, known as…

Work being conducted by the Wisconsin Center for Education Research on the topic of effective secondary schools is described. The first section of this paper contains a summary of planning activities. A 5-year proposal for the Center on Effective Secondary Schools is described as well as an evaluation of that proposal. The second section presents…

Describes a proposal for a new physics program for geology majors at the University of Rome based on a problem-oriented approach and extending the range of physics concepts covered by more traditional courses. Emphasis is put on applying physical concepts to geological problems. (Author/SK)

This monograph provides a framework for analyzing and evaluating the soundness of teacher education reform proposals. Key questions covering five areas that may be addressed to various proposals are presented: (1) problem definition; (2) solutions proposed; (3) rationale for the problem definition and proposed solutions; (4) feasibility of…

Describes a continuing education course developed at Florida Atlantic University that teaches students how to apply for grant funding and how to write proposals. Team teaching by a librarian and instructor is explained; goals are discussed; course assignments are described; and an evaluation of the course is presented. (LRW)

Presented are analyses of data gathered from the evaluation of the National Science Foundation's Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) program projects funded between 1976 and 1978. Broad focus techniques were used, which include both a survey of 201 CAUSE project directors and the content analysis of 273 funded CAUSE…

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 directs the Foundation "to initiate and support basic scientific research and programs to strengthen scientific research potential and science education programs at all levels." NSF achieves its unique mission by making merit-based awards to researchers, educators, and students at approximately…

This project proposal provides background information and outlines a Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) effort to develop: (1) a framework for studying the transfer process and for assessing the success of district colleges in preparing students to transfer; (2) a mechanism for identifying and counseling potential transfer students,…