Critiques the criticism leveled at Milwaukee's (Wisconsin) four-year-old Parental Choice Program, a program designed to open private school choice through a voucher program. It discusses John Witte's reports which criticize the program and how these reports are flawed and inaccurate depictions of the program's progress and impact. (GLR)

A credit-rating tool for colleges seeking bond financing is described, using The Colorado College experience as a case study. The process discussed gives college chief financial officers a better understanding of how the bond rating agencies evaluate institutions' credit-worthiness. Substantial data charts and graphs are use for illustration. (MSE)

Measures of emotional adjustment and perceived emotional and instrumental support by grandparents were completed by 62 parents of young children with disabilities. A significant positive correlation between paternal adjustment and grandparent support was found. Grandparents' most frequent forms of assistance were babysitting and buying clothing.…

This article discusses techniques for calculating the net worth of prospective college and university donors, explaining how to base a net worth calculation on known statistical averages. It then reviews several formulas for estimating a person's giving ability. (MDM)

Although each school district and its bond finance campaign are unique, success at the polls depends on identifying the community's particular voting groups and developing matching strategies. Year-round public-relations programs are essential. Planners should study other districts' successful strategies, pool all available resources and talents,…

The politically conservative John M. Olin Foundation, which provides financial grants to individuals and groups on U.S. campuses, has become part of the debate over "political correctness" in academia. The foundation is accused of being linked with the Republican Party and of distorting intellectual debate. (DB)

A $13-million gift of William Gates III to the University of Washington has enabled establishment of the country's first department in molecular biotechnology, a combination of medicine and molecular biology to be practiced by researchers versed in a variety of fields, including computer science, computation, applied physics, and engineering. (MSE)

Discusses the author's experiences while teaching at Carleton College, a liberal arts college. Discusses the complexities behind the stereotype of the "liberal arts college." Presents reasons why the stereotype remains. (RS)

The few existing historically Black Presbyterian colleges are struggling for survival. The church is encouraging the colleges to become self-sufficient as the predominantly white Presbyterian colleges are but does not want to diminish church ties. (MSE)

Reports on a study of changing trends in public libraries. Interviews with public library leaders identified five areas of changing emphasis: information technology, community needs, strategic planning, public relations and marketing, and funding. (seven references) (EA)

Traces the growth of the Internet from its beginnings as the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's ARPAnet. Discusses key issues facing network service providers including: acceptable use policies, liability exposure, the integration of research and production networks, the commercialization of the networks, and the need for global planning.…

This article describes the Social Security Administration's PASS (Plan for Achieving Self Support) program which is intended to assist persons with disabilities to achieve economic independence. The program allows Supplemental Security Income recipients to set aside funds to pay expenses required to reach a specific employment goal. (DB)

The model for analyzing the funding system used by the United Kingdom's Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council (PCFC) is described, focusing on the mechanisms through which tuition policy is developed. It is concluded that a linear programing approach is useful in analyzing the impact of funding policy on institutions. (MSE)

Describes development of a program at the public library in Seaside, California, that offers afterschool homework assistance. Tips on funding, staffing, publicity, services, future plans, and evaluation are provided, and the benefits of this program for latchkey children are considered. (MES)

Educational funding in many states is declining in amount and political priority. The AASA recommends that school districts use curriculum-driven or performance budgeting to alleviate the crunch. Budgets should garner public support and reflect school district program effectiveness, comparative benefit, and collaborative planning, rather than…