This report focuses on 11 states' efforts to develop state-funded family literacy initiatives either through legislation or other actions. An introduction defines family literacy. Part I includes in-depth case studies on seven states that have either passed or attempted to pass state family literacy legislation. For each state (Kentucky,…

This paper presents strategies for designing and implementing new and more effective approaches to school-finance structures. The first section discusses state school-finance systems, their inadequacies, and how they have changed dramatically in several states. It explores how varieties of standard school-finance formulas may actually exacerbate…

State regulations for educating gifted children in Ohio are outlined. The rules cover: eligibility/identification; placement procedures; supportive services and experiences (acceleration, special experiences, guidance, organizational options); and criteria for state reimbursement for employment of gifted education teachers and coordinators in…

This report concerns the development of "Human Corps" programs of volunteer student service at the University of California and California State University. It summarizes information on student participation derived from surveys implemented by both universities and makes recommendations regarding the development and implementation of…

This paper reviews the actions of several state reform programs and examines the methods by which they funded or failed to fund their educational reform programs. Results of reform in seven states--California, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina--are highlighted. Fiscal and political issues are also identified. Data…

This report examines three aspects of funding for public higher education from 1984 to 1988. First, it compares the changes in the level of tuition at public institutions of higher education among the 50 states; second, it examines the change in state support for higher education as adjusted by the Higher Education Price Index; and, third, it…

The last decade has seen the convergence of three trends in the United States: a decline in the well-being of America's children; increasing overlap between the educational policy agenda and a broader policy agenda for children; and a shift in responsibility for social policy from the federal to the state level. This paper examines the current…

This paper discusses a study that examined three questions: How has overall state spending on higher education changed from year to year in relation to states' ability to fund higher education? (2) Has the growth in state spending on higher education varied significantly from the growth in total state budgets in recent years? and (3) What have…

This annual Fact Book is a compendium of statistics and information on a variety of subjects and issues concerning education in California. It is designed to aid reporters covering education, and to serve as a reference for educators, legislators, and the general public. The 1993-94 Fact Book contains information on numerous issues: fingertip…

The United States Bureau of the Census conducts an Annual Survey of Government Finances. This report contains financial statistics on public elementary, secondary, and higher education for 1990-91. The first section of the report includes table summaries of federal, state, and local education expenditures and elementary-secondary education…

This report addresses the issue of the extent to which state constitutions permit sectarian schools to be included in a choice program. The issue has arisen in connection with federal proposals to fund school-choice programs subject to the law of each state. If the question is considered without reference to federal funding, the inclusion of…

This document contains the proceedings of presentations made by the Fiscal Issues, Policy and Education Finance Special Interest Group of the American Education Research Association (AERA). Ten articles focus on equitable funding systems for K-12 education and examine school financing in the following states: Florida, Illinois, New York,…

This serial issue summarizes findings from a survey of 20 state mental retardation and developmental disabilities agencies and 93 community based providers on developing and financing community services. The survey queried respondents concerning: (1) which models or strategies for financing community services have been most effective; (2) what…

The cost of providing an educational program is higher for rural, small schools and districts than for others. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that small schools and districts may be a more efficient investment than large schools because the "learning value per unit of expenditure" seems to be greater there. This new idea expands…

County school districts in West Virginia are facing a funding crisis. Significant outmigration resulting in decreased school enrollment has caused the state legislature to change the state school aid formula, forcing school districts to lay off large numbers of low-seniority employees. The state legislature's perception that public schools are…