Discusses programs sponsored by groups that promote history instruction in the state of Maine. Reports recent developments concerning Maine's social studies curriculum. Underscores the significance of and financial problems facing "Maine's Common Core of Learning," a program setting out what the state's youth should know in the…

A study of 25 South Dakota school districts found that combining the superintendency with either the elementary or the secondary principalship was not an ideal arrangement. For the district and teachers, the most consistent disadvantages relate to inadequate instructional leadership. For the superintendents, the greatest disadvantage is sacrifice…

Financial pressures, increasing enrollments, and the need for remedial education for many students are causing community colleges to reassess their priorities. Some faculty feel remedial programs are draining resources from other valuable areas of the curriculum. (MSE)

It is argued that educational finance reform proposals have emphasized the elements of a desirable financial system too greatly, while downplaying the constraints facing educational change. These constraints are illustrated in the case study of educational reform in Manitoba, which has about 60 school divisions and districts. (SLD)

Technology education is not an attractive option for developing countries with overwhelming short-term priorities. Rather than building a technologically literate population or preparing people for postsecondary technical education, these countries need curricula that solve basic economic development and unemployment problems. (SK)

Beleaguered boards and superintendents can get the most out of the limited state funds they are allotted by lowering personnel costs. Suggestions include reducing full-time positions to part-time, consolidating positions by hiring staff with dual certification, filling administrative posts with teachers holding administrative certificates, and…

The 1965 Immigration Act has significantly influenced American institutions and agencies. This act, which focused on family reunification and desired occupational skills instead of racial origin, has resulted in a massive increase of immigrant students from Asia and Latin America without increased funding to educate and assimilate them. Reduction…

As many as 25% of American school buildings are inadequate. However, many districts have reduced maintenance to pay utility bills. An active energy-management program can lower utility costs through efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofits that pay back in less than three years. (MLF)

Programs for academically gifted students are being sacrificed to address elitism charges and budget crunches, at the same time that funding for students with other exceptional education needs is expanding. Gifted students can be reenfranchised by preparing teachers appropriately, differentiating course content, and improving pacing and grouping…

Although many superintendents remain leery of the charter reform movement, some (in Flagstaff, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; and San Carlos, California), see beyond threats to a districtwide innovation model. Taking charters' lead, Flagstaff opened a magnet school and a full-day kindergarten. Another superintendent chartered his entire…

Despite their advantages for students, school-based health centers are not prevalent due to preoccupation with academic standards, jurisdictional overlap problems, and a patchwork of funding sources. Coalition-building, effective resource management, and establishment of cooperative staff working relations are essential. Online resources are…

Attempts to make effects of fiscal constraints better understood in the hope of finding optimal solutions to critical difficulties faced by academic institutions. Suggests a new emphasis in graduate training on teaching. Points toward ideal changes in the structure of higher education but attempts to keep recommendations practical. Discusses the…

Claims voters and elected officials allow only short-term solutions to financial problems and Florida fails to address need or adequacy. Explains sources of problems by describing state funding formula and discussing structurally inadequate tax base, new political and constitutional barriers to tax expansion, and sectoral rivalry for state…

In many states, school nurses are responsible for too many children; their numbers are dwindling when disabled and chronically ill students desperately need their services. Tennessee has the highest student/nurse ratio (10,000 to 1). Only 6 states meet the recommended 750 to 1 ratio. School-based clinics could ameliorate this problem. (MLH)

Discusses university education in Kenya, with an emphasis on patterns of financing and how this has affected overall operations of the universities. Assesses reforms to reduce government grants and make public universities self-sustaining, compares private and public universities, and discusses problems facing public universities and how they are…