The formula used to allocate federal funding for state and local special education programs is one of the Individual with Disabilities Act's most critical components. The formula not only serves as the primary mechanism for dividing available federal dollars among states, it also represents policymakers' intent to equalize educational…

This study considers the relationship between federal academic earmarks and state appropriations for higher education. Often referred to as "pork," federal academic earmarks are both controversial and understudied. Using a unique panel dataset which spans 1990-2006, this study conducts a panel analysis with two-way state and year-fixed effects. It…

As a new school year begins across the country, many are looking back on a long, hot summer and wondering where did all that time go? For early childhood public policy, three developments over the summer are likely to shape the field for quite some time. By July, many states had wound up their budgets for the coming year. In addition to cuts to…

How government spends money, and who benefits, reveals the priorities. How, then, do children fare in the competition for public resources? While families have long been the primary caregivers of children, all levels of government--local, state, and federal--invest in the growth and development of children, whether through education, family…

The study's main objectives were: to describe management techniques and incentives used to operate successful proprietary vocational schools; to compare these techniques and incentives with those existing at community colleges; and to review Federal policies affecting the utilization of proprietary vocational schools. Data and information for the…

Financing of higher education in New York and the public policies which impinge on, influence, and are reflected in the process are explored in this preliminary probe. Chapters include: The Need for the Study (N. J. King); Implications of Tax Policy (Mark Segal); Institutional Tax Exemptions and Tax Benefits (Steven A. Cohen); State Institutional…

A shrinkage of one-half or more in available federal funds designated for human services is expected to occur in the next five years. Despite this outlook, federal funds are available for increases in human services, provided that such services are organized into related systems of services and are planned and managed as such. This essay on…

The issue of unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds has become increasingly important with the progression of welfare reform. Some support reserving the funds for an eventual economic downturn, whereas others urge investing the funds in services for hard-to-serve welfare recipients and broader low-income participation. States…

This position paper synthesizes the findings of a review of the literature on career-related education and training and recommends the following nine statements as guiding principles of legislation concerning career-related education and training: lifelong learning programs will be most effective if they combine academic and vocational content;…