A report based on a conference on the impact of cost information on statewide budgeting and planning is presented. The conference was organized around case-study reports on the use of cost information in higher education budgeting in Florida, Indiana, Washington, and Wisconsin. Rather than publishing convention proceedings, the case studies were…

In recent decades, a growing number of countries have sought innovative solutions to the substantial challenges they face in financing tertiary education. One of the principal challenges is that the demand for education beyond the secondary level in most countries around the world is growing far faster than the ability or willingness of…

In its first year (1986-87), a $37.4 million Connecticut aid program has markedly reduced disparities in teacher salaries and expenditures per pupil. This paper reviews the use of school aid increases in Connecticut, describes the simulation models used, explains the models' role in targeting state aid, and outlines the legislation and its…

Although the driving philosophy underpinning British educational reform since 1988 has emphasized "quality" and "choice," few governmental pronouncements have addressed equity issues. This article defines "equity," focusing on distributional equity as a framework for examining reforms such as formula funding,…

The Education Improvement Act instigated funding allocation reform, equalization and equity, system accountability, systemwide report cards, value-added assessment, and governance reform. The most dissatisfied educators are those in large, wealthier urban systems. Horizontal equity, accountability, and test results have improved throughout the…

Educators Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane Friedlaender share findings from their recent report highlighting five California high schools that have beaten the odds in supporting the success of low-income students of color. Animo Inglewood Charter High School, Stanley E. Foster Construction Tech Academy, June Jordan School for Equity, Leadership…

The system that finances Michigan's schools from kindergarten through 12th grade is a perennial topic of conversation among policymakers, parents, taxpayers and voters. A constructive discussion of this issue, however, requires a sound knowledge of the financial workings of Michigan's elementary and secondary school system. This knowledge is…

This article reviews the development of state funding formulas or guidelines for public higher education. Originally viewed as a means to distribute public funds in a rational and equitable manner, they now are complicated methodologies. Funding formulas are all-inclusive or itemized; most states use the itemized approach. There are three…

The Educational Priorities Panel examined the allocation of tax levy funds to New York City academic and vocational high schools. The study attempted a statistical analysis of the actual distribution and utilization of funds for the fall terms 1975 through 1978. It also aimed to identify current budgeting and management practices that interfere…

Resource allocation in universities is analyzed based on economic theory and a theory of organizational behavior in universities. Basic methods of reaching decisions regarding allocation are intuition and numbers and combinations of the two. The intuitive method assumes a university committee can judge its needs. The numerical method employs a…

This study examined changes in use of funding formulas for higher education among the states, the use of information about peer institutions in funding decisions, and the use of outcome or quality measures. The study used data from surveys of all states in 1984, 1988, and 1992. The most recent survey showed that 33 states were using formulas in…

This report analyzes options for modifying the current provisions for allocating Chapter 1 funds to better meet the program's goals. The report is organized in seven sections. Following an executive summary and introductory remarks in section 1, section 2 analyzes the existing Chapter 1 funds allocation formulas. Section 3 analyzes the targeting…

This final report describes a project to develop a funding process for the distribution of Federal Vocational Education dollars to eligible recipients as dictated by P. L. 94-482. An introductory section considers project background and rationale for a revised system. Section 2 discusses procedures used in the development of a funding process to…

The distribution of funds for university administration and support for a hypothetical state university system using 11 state funding formulas is reviewed. Data for a hypothetical system of 11 institutions of varying size and student level mix were used. The distributions for university administration and support include library support, student…

This report presents findings from an investigation into relationships between academic achievement and the distribution of fiscal resources among rural school districts in Oregon. The investigation was prompted by earlier-reported findings suggesting the critical nature of both achievement gaps and resource gaps among rural school districts in…