Compared the amount of resources (time and money) families (N=235) devoted to pursuing interpersonal relationships and income-generating activities in an affluent society (U.S.) to a less affluent but rapidly developing society (Mexico). Results showed that the U.S. sample invested less resources pursuing material payoffs than did the Mexican…

A major task of South Africa's new government in 1994 was to promote racial equity in the state education system. This paper evaluates progress toward this goal using three distinct concepts: equal treatment, equal educational opportunity, and educational adequacy. The authors find that the country has succeeded in establishing racial equity…

The Underrepresented Groups Report provides community colleges with the opportunity to report on initiatives and strategies to increase participation and achievement among individuals with disabilities, minorities, and women. Underrepresented Groups Report production is an important annual statutory responsibility (Public Act 85-283). Each…

The State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (SECCS) Initiative represents a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life for young children and their families, and support them in reaching their full potential. Under the SECCS Initiative, state mother and child health agencies are being asked to apply MCH experience and expertise to a…

The emergence of accelerated learning as a strategy to simultaneously motivate and challenge secondary students offers a prime example of reform driven by the need to better align schools and colleges with economic and social realities. Accelerated learning is a cluster of programs, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate,…

This paper addresses the issue of educational budgets for Ontario's Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (Canada). Colleges have supported a 35% increase in enrollment, with a 40% decrease in funding, over the last ten years, while operating costs have increased. In addition, Ontario eliminated the secondary school Ontario Academic Courses…

This environmental scan is designed to assist Ontario's colleges in their strategic planning processes. Ontario's colleges have supported a 35% increase in enrollment, with a 40% decrease in funding, over the last ten years, while operating costs have risen. In addition, Ontario eliminated the secondary school Ontario Academic Courses (OACs),…

This is the third in a series of annual reports that summarize financial trends affecting higher education. State appropriations to higher education reached $60.6 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2001, an increase of 7.0% over FY 2000 in current funds, and a 5.0 constant dollar increase. However, total state general fund appropriations for all…

This article analyzes the outcomes of the implementation of California's Proposition 98, the "Classroom Instructional Accountability and Improvement Act of 1988." The Act was meant to guarantee a minimum level of funding for the state's K-12 schools and community colleges. The latest data, however, reveal that Prop 98 has under-funded…

This is the 2001-2002 management plan for the City College of San Francisco (CCSF), California. The plan contains the following sections: (1) Overview of Planning and Budgeting; (2) Vision, Values, and Mission; (3) College Goals and Strategic Priorities; (4) Annual Institutional Plan CCSF 2002-03; (5) College Core Performance Indicators; and (6)…

The 2002 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act mandates that schools receiving federal funding must desegregate their student performance data by race, gender, and socioeconomic status in order to provide progress information to the community and state. Data-driven decision making is particularly important in urban schools…

The Czech government considers innovation policy a key component of the effort to improve the business environment. This paper underscores the importance for the Czech Republic of expanding R&D activities that have a potential for commercial innovation. It also points to the relevance of good general business conditions in encouraging research…

This paper looks at ways of ensuring Czech regions and municipalities are fully motivated to make efficiency improvements in public service provision and so help achieve countrywide fiscal sustainability. The very large number of small municipalities in the Czech Republic means that scale economies are difficult to exploit and the policy options…

This report summarizes discussions between education and youth development leaders regarding the need to address financial and resource issues in high school reform. They discussed: (1) allocation and alignment of resources to support standards-based reform (SBR) and higher expectations for all students; (2) generating resources for the…

This study sets out to examine the relationship, if any, between the decentralization of funding for schools and the prevalence of corruption and fraud. It is based upon work carried out in four countries: Australia (the State of Victoria), the United Kingdom (specifically England), Poland (with particular reference to two cities) and Brazil…