A study of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology suggests (1) an abrupt change in an institution's financial pattern need not mean loss of excellence; (2) in crisis, the institution must build on its strengths; (3) strong central planning is essential; (4) an excellent faculty is the first responsibility. (MSE)

Funding constraints on Tanzanian higher education include low economic growth rate, balance of payment problems, inflation, currency devaluation, absence of cost-sharing, and resource mismanagement. Higher education has high unit costs, low capacity utilization, and high teacher-student ratios, but private benefits are high relative to social…

Bill Anton, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, faces an explosive growth of culturally diverse students, a fiscal crisis, and threats of a strike. Despite these major problems, he remains optimistic that the district will overcome its current problems. (MLF)

Describes the changes in Soviet/Russian higher education since 1986. Reviews the development of higher education since 1918 and the bureaucratic structures that stifled progress and focused on vocational preparation. Argues that decentralization of authority will lead to improved general education essential for a free society. (CFR)

Forces raising the cost of higher education will not disappear even in a stronger economy. Most research universities will be faced with balancing the scope of their individual commitments and the nature of their relationship with other institutions with advancement of knowledge and education at the highest levels. (MSE)

Many school boards have considered searching for their next superintendent in the ranks of the business community. Both Minneapolis (Minnesota) and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) have businesspeople as superintendents. Contains a number of comments concerning advantages a businessperson can bring to the superintendency, as opposed to the need for proper…

Includes excerpts from a 1986 report on educational funding for different provincial and local school systems in China. Asserts that many local governments have been able to improve school buildings and teacher training. Concludes with five suggestions for increasing educational funding at the local level. (CFR)

Addresses the implications and impacts of a board of education decision to close an outdoor education center. Stresses the rationale for outdoor and environmental education, the connection between classroom curriculum and outdoor education, and the reduction in systemwide services that would result from the closing. (LP)

Cutbacks to outdoor education and outdoor education centers are inconsistent with the Ontario boards' goal of lifelong learning. Although traditional curricula consist almost entirely of public meaning, outdoor education yields personal meaning engendered by direct experience with what is being learned. Outdoor experiences are also essential for…

A study of 334 colleges and universities found institutions with declining resources are as effective as institutions with abundant resources. However, institutions that develop certain attributes (centralization, crisis mentality, lowered innovation, resistance to change, decreasing morale, politicized interest groups, non-prioritized cutbacks,…

Lack of funds and competition for scarce resources have made it impossible for many African universities to gain access to technology. Internet use is extremely limited, and the infrastructure is inadequate to support rapid expansion. Information technology, when available, is seen as a way for African academics to overcome isolation by once again…

After 25 years of federal and state voucher systems in higher education, public colleges and universities find themselves financially shortchanged. Higher education vouchers (direct student aid) were developed to expand educational opportunity, give lower income students more choices, and support private colleges. Voucher systems produce greater…

States have had to budget increasing amounts for mandated pupil-transportation services as their state transportation aid has been slashed dramatically. Among school districts, cooperation and coordination through shared services (consortia) have resulted in safer, more reliable, and more efficient transportation. Implementation advice is…

Between 1994 and 1998, capital outlay funding bills for school facilities, tax bases, and taxation bills experienced the greatest growth in state legislative activity. This article discusses the reasons for increased funding activity, various state-aid mechanisms to fund capital outlay, and future capital funding directions. (MLH)

This study examined perceptions regarding intimate partner abuse (IPV) in a largely Latino community in New Jersey through focus groups with Latino community members and key informant interviews with providers of services to this population. Questions examined definitions of partner abuse; perceptions of factors contributing to, or protecting…