Proposals for helping districts with severe financial problems range from various forms of privatization to administrative decentralization and boards of local control. An alternative approach to state takeovers employs a state government corporation (similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority) free of political influence, along with site-based…

Although teachers at a Denver middle school are divided over expectations for handling extracurricular activities, stark reality pushes many teachers to be there for students. Teacher volunteers manage many extras, including basketball and soccer teams, a history-of-teen-fashion video, a grant to update an antiquated library, a Pennies for…

Examines the fiscal environment surrounding New York's use of property taxes to raise local education revenue. The property tax should not be abandoned. The recent statewide increased burden stems from a cyclical slowing in personal income growth and a shift in funding responsibility from state to local governments. Application of the property tax…

Tainted by failure, rooted in myth, and marked by questionable practice, public-private partnerships in education are risky. Performance contracting failed miserably in the 1970s. Faulty privatization rationales include myths surrounding SAT test scores and the "bloated bureaucracy" and "money doesn't matter" arguments. Neither…

U.S. graduate education is highly regarded for its well-structured training and increasing student numbers. However, the emphasis on graduate education is blamed for detrimental effects on undergraduate programs, and it has come under financial pressures. There is public criticism for training America's international competitors and concern over…

Examined concerns and feelings of international college students attending a variety of colleges and universities in the United States. Findings from 163 international students revealed that they were most concerned about extended family, cultural differences, finances, and school. Their emotional profile depicted them as determined, thankful,…

Higher productivity must become internalized in college institutional cultures and recognized as a strategic issue for long-term reasons of educational quality and robust survival. The primary challenge is not downsizing but right-sizing for available resources, mission, and quality standards. The concept of selective excellence must prevail. (MSE)

Conducted naturalistic inquiry study of rituals at a women's college well known for its traditions (commencement, baccalaureate, junior show, community day, second semester convocation, and charter day). Findings showed how these events build community, establish consensus and meaning, expound value of achievement and leadership, and build…

Discusses Rhode Island's approaches to and requirements for social studies instruction. Identifies some of the commonly offered social studies electives. Describes the effects of taxpayer revolts upon educational funding and social studies instruction. Cites a possible role for the Rhode Island Social Studies Association in the state's changing…

Discussion of problems associated with using bond funding for library acquisitions focuses on experiences at Louisiana State University. Topics addressed include books as collateral; partial payment problems; collateral-based restrictions; taxes; invoicing; delayed payment; and recommendations for how to prepare for bond funding of library…

Budget cuts in Ontario, particularly in small schools, have resulted in cuts to outdoor programs. Proposes that the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario produce a document emphasizing the importance of outdoor education and that members and others interested in the environment write letters to local newspapers advocating environmental…

Describes the scope of financial problems facing community colleges, and typical college responses. Traces the history of college planning approaches. Recommends proactive planning (i.e., conceptual, adaptive, anticipatory, and action-oriented planning) as the most appropriate response to existing and coming financial challenges. Identifies ways…

An annotated outline provides recent case law in special education since the last update in volume 56 of this journal. Based on the 1990 amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA), references are in the form of the acronym for its new title, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (MLF)

School leaders in four communities describe some approaches they are using to reduce school district spending or generate new revenues. Suggestions include finding alternative revenue sources; pursuing "pro bono" or in-kind services; adopting zero-base, programmatic budgeting; reducing support and custodial staff ratios; and applying technological…

Illinois currently permits districts to finance repairs and construction related to children's health, life, or safety through a modest "backdoor" referendum rate tied to property values. These repairs are ameliorative but not preventative. This article recommends a strategic capital preservation plan that sets aside funds for use in…