The purpose of this article is to describe and compare individual state funding systems for public elementary and secondary education in the United States. States' major education funding systems are described as well as funding mechanisms for students with disabilities; English language learners (ELL); gifted and talented students; and low income…

The Kansas Educational Leadership Institute (KELI), in a unique response to an identified need by state and local professionals, has provided a vital support to educational leaders in Kansas stepping into the superintendent role. The mission of KELI has focused on providing this support through strong collaboration and a spirit of partnership with…

This article discusses leaders who make a difference, especially in school districts where a single superintendent impacts the lives of so many children, teachers, staff, and community members every day. There is a need to mentor the ongoing professional learning and development of key leaders. The authors report on a process in Kansas, USA, which…

Superintendents and other school administrators live with tensions in political economy. The voting public believes school funding is fixed when the economy expands and new state programs are introduced. Administrators are publicly criticized when, strained for resources, their schools cannot perform within the "do more with less" paradigm. This…

Kansas is not typically considered a state with a great deal of diversity. In the past few years, however, Kansas has become more ethnically diverse. Kansas adult education programs could serve as a bellwether for diversity across Kansas. This article discusses the diversity in Kansas adult education programs. The author stresses the need to…

Claims voters and elected officials allow only short-term solutions to financial problems and Florida fails to address need or adequacy. Explains sources of problems by describing state funding formula and discussing structurally inadequate tax base, new political and constitutional barriers to tax expansion, and sectoral rivalry for state…

Outlines state of educational funding in Georgia as of 1997, based on 1986 Quality Basic Education (QBE) Act, sources of local revenue, special grants based on sparsity and technology training, and special adjustments for training and experience, changing pupil counts, and consolidation. Discusses impact of capital outlay, optional local sales…

Discusses the rationale for the use of school incentives in public education and reviews the use of incentives in the public sector. Provides a topological overview of incentive programs and case descriptions. (JOW)

Explains the conflict between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of Arizona regarding educational organization and funding. Describes Arizona's history of educational reform from 1990 to 1997, the legal and political challenges to reform initiative, and the state of education in 1997. Predicts that the reform issue will not soon be…

Explains trends in 1980s and 1990s and state of Delaware's funding process in 1997, including percentages, dollar amounts, and components of educational system. Describes recently determined goals and state's strategic reform process, including standard-based reform, assessment for accountability, and capacity building. Provides analysis of impact…

Explains problems with complex system of educational finance in California. Addresses issues such as diversity, per pupil expenditure, and equity at district and school level; problems with special education, pupil transportation, supplemental grants, and "mega-item;" and brief history of California's school financing--including Serrano…