A model for predicting the impact of retrenchment on public education was tested for validity, using data from an inner-city high school confronted with revenue loss. Results show that budget cuts are more likely to exert a negative impact on disadvantaged students than on students from middle-class homes. (AOS)

Describes how state and local school aid systems operate in Oklahoma, Delaware, and Alaska, how they have changed, how equity objectives vary among them, and how well the systems achieve objectives. Emphasizes special circumstances in each state and finds that equity must be studied in relation to other policy objectives. (JW)

Following adoption of a district power equalizing school aid formula intended to achieve equity in the distribution of general revenue, in per pupil expenditure, and in property taxes, significant progress was made toward attaining wealth neutrality that has subsequently been eroded by a depressed state economy. (MJL)

After a summary of Illinois finance reform since 1973, the procedures for monitoring school finance equity are described. The tabulated results generally indicate that gains made in equity have been lost. The causes of the diminished drive for equity and future prospects are analyzed. (MJL)

Data on 431 Minnesota school districts' use of the "referendum levy" (above the regular tax rate) and the "discretionary levy" (extending state aided taxes) indicate wealthier districts use the referendum levy more, yielding higher tax rates and more revenue. Referendum levies adjusted through district power equalizing should…

Examines educational equity for students and taxpayers under school finance systems used in British Columbia (Canada) before and after the province's 1982 reform. Discusses concepts and measures of equity, analyzes equity under the old system, and describes the new system and its response to previous problems. (Author/RW)

Among the author's replies to the preceding article are that property tax relief programs do not solve interdistrict inequities under guaranteed tax base formulas, district income better measures fiscal capacity than does property wealth, and intrastate cost differentials do not remedy problems of low-income districts in high-income areas. (RW)

Questions whether "scientific" theories of educational management are compatible with the goals of an autonomous (British) education service. Discusses recent educational administration theories and their implications for social justice and educational diversity. Applies social-choice theory to organizational resourcing problems and…

Addresses litigation launched by a wealthy school district against the Alberta (Canada) Ministry of Education, regarding legislation to increase fiscal equity among school systems. Reviews the concept of fiscal equality, financial plans to achieve this goal, and the Alberta funding structure. Describes proposed changes to the School Act. The…

In October 1996, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed lower court decisions and dismissed a lawsuit claiming that the state's public school funding system violated the Illinois constitution. This decision ended a six-year battle to reform the state's school funding system. The courts found no constitutional issues in the case because education has…

Discusses how the absence of equal resources for schools or adequate support for families must not prevent educators from eliminating the gross inequalities brought about by assigning our least-qualified teachers to the neediest students, tolerating shoddy practice, steering students to inferior curricular choices, and generally miseducating the…

Explores six proposed changes and the controversies that have stalled Congress's reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Although IDEA's fundamental characteristics will remain unchanged, there is likely to be an increased focus on outcomes, an augmented appeals process, and provisions addressing discipline problems.…

Reviews the struggle by British Muslim communities to receive funding for their schools, discussing the development of Britain's education along denominational lines, the establishment of Muslim schools, and attempts to receive public funding. Examines issues emerging from the decision to award funding (e.g., construction of identity, concept of…

Challenges facing rural schools include consolidation, teacher quality, equitable funding, and adequate facilities. The president of the National Rural Education Association presents his views on these issues based on visits around the country. (Author)

The capacity of funding formulas to distribute adequate state funds to public colleges and universities equitably has been often debated, prompted by demands for economy, wise resource usage, and accountability. Between 1984 and 1988, the number of states using funding formulas decreased from 34 to 32. Change is inevitable. Includes 17 footnotes.…