The effects of cost differences on equality of educational opportunity may be grossly overestimated. Until the equity of the distribution dimension of existing state plans has been determined, funding on the basis of cost differences has the potential for contributing to greater inequities. (Author/IRT)

Allocation of a lump sum appropriation among seven colleges and universities in a single system can often be a source of wide dissention. Institutions in Oregon have achieved consensus on a budget allocation model that rests on recent advances in cost analysis. The model allocates funds on an equal basis for each major discipline and by level of…

The wide differences in payments for foster care from one state to another and the variety of payment systems point to the need for a systematic look at the true costs of foster care. (Author)

Georgia's merit-based HOPE scholarships, which cover tuition and fees for over half the undergraduates at the University of Georgia, are credited for bringing better students to the university but also for bringing pressure for grade inflation to the institution. Recipients must maintain a B grade average. The university has become competitive…

In British Columbia the state was found liable for discrimination by refusing to fund therapy treatment for autistic children under its medicare system. Although the judges expressly disavowed the education context from their consideration, there will likely be attempts to apply the ruling to special education situations since therapy can be…

The proportion of adult undergraduates to adult populations in the 50 states was calculated. Cross-sectoral analysis identified state characteristics that correlated with participation rates. Best predictors were availability of undergraduate education, educational technology efforts, the population's level of educational attainment, budget…

Over the past 30 years, federal and state courts have addressed numerous education finance equity issues, particularly the inadequacies of state aid funding formulas. This article discusses government responsibility, judicial intervention cases, pending litigation in various states, and future directions for educational finance litigation and…

Supreme Courts in Texas, Kentucky, and Montana have ordered their legislatures to devise more equitable ways of distributing funds to schools. The New Jersey Supreme Court is hearing a case; and lawsuits challenging school financing systems are pending in Alaska, Connecticut, Indiana, North Dakota, Oregon, and Tennessee. (MLF)

Describes the procedures followed by Louisiana public libraries in establishing and operating that state's award winning summer reading program. The cooperative efforts of the state library, state library association, and committees of public librarians are discussed, as is the incorporation of performing artists funded by grants from the state's…

A federal appeals court decision suggests that public colleges may not be covered by the Constitution's 11th amendment prohibiting state governments from being sued in federal court. By the ruling, the institution loses immunity by having funds other than state appropriations with which to pay damages in the lawsuits. (MSE)

Introduces a statewide child care resource-and-referral network that links programs together at the state level while linking parents and providers at the local level as a model for meeting child care needs in rural areas. Suggests that the collaboration and creativity of rural community members and state-level leaders can ensure the best services…

Successful college endowment fund raising requires getting more gifts from high-level donors and bringing more donors into the fold. Institutions use a variety of approaches, including greater emphasis on general giving, endowment campaigns, state matching grants, and special programs to introduce endowment giving to a larger audience. (MSE)

According to cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the impact of state characteristics on participation in adult literacy education (1970-87), structural features such as program availability and state support have a demonstrated effect on the rate of participation. (SK)

Explores several questions facing policymakers addressing adequacy and equity issues. Do traditional equity issues disappear if equitable outcomes are achieved? What should adequacy standards look like? How does one design an equity-based school finance system? Can we define the production functions that will yield desired outcomes? Is the…