Across OECD countries, governments, policy makers and university managers are examining the future of higher education and questioning the role of educational research. These discussions are taking place against the backdrop that knowledge production and the contribution of higher education to the economy and the prestige and standing of nations…

This case study is part of a broader research project examining state policies and governance structures that span K-12 and postsecondary education. The New York Board of Regents oversees all education in the state and has been in place for over 200 years; this lends the regents' office a legitimacy and tradition unlike any other state education…

In November 1996, the voters of Montgomery County (Maryland) approved by referendum an amendment to the County Charter that changed the County Council's review and approval cycle of the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) from an annual to biennial cycle. The referendum specified that in odd-numbered fiscal years (on years) the County…

This report is the third in a series of annual reports looking at the state of online education across the country. The goal of "Keeping Pace" is to be a useful document for policymakers and practitioners, and as such it takes a journalistic approach to research and writing instead of an academic approach. This report has two goals: first, to add…

Because the amount of state-equalization aid received by Ohio school districts is inevitably related to district wealth, the measure of district ability is a concern. This paper presents findings of a study that used computer simulation to examine the effect of proposed modifications to district-revenue capacity on the equity of Ohio…

The current push for reform in mathematics and science education cannot succeed unless it addresses the critical and persistent issue of equity. This executive summary reviews the literature regarding that issue. Its purpose is to provide a reference tool for those who are working to change educational policy and practice. Part 1 of the review…

The current push for reform in mathematics and science education cannot succeed unless it addresses the critical and persistent issue of equity. This report reviews the literature regarding that issue. Its purpose is to provide a reference tool for those who are working to change educational policy and practice. Part 1 of the review discusses the…

In November 1980, Massachusetts citizens voted to limit the allowable increase in local property tax revenue by supporting a state-ballot referendum named Proposition 2 1/2. This paper presents findings of a study that examined changes in both the sources and extent of funding for public education in Massachusetts communities during the first…

This paper examines arguments in favor of and against the use of educational vouchers as an alternative educational system. A review of literature concludes that some problems to be addressed include religion, ethnic equity, finance allocation, and transportation. It is argued that the free market creates competition, but not equal opportunity.…

This book, assembled by the National Coalition of Educational Equity Advocates (NCEEA), addresses broad structural issues that can serve as the foundation for rebuilding an equitable educational system that is committed to excellence for all children. It argues that local, state, and federal governments and agencies are needed to create an…

The impact of state reform initiatives on Kentucky public schools is described in this paper, with attention to financial and facility repercussions. State legislative action in 1985 established class size limitations and new certification programs, which necessitated reorganization of the middle schools. Following the Kentucky Supreme Court's…

This paper focuses on the history and utilization of special education funding in the Green Valley Area Education Agency 14 (AEA 14). AEA 14 is the most rural AEA in Iowa and serves 22 public school districts and 1 parochial school district. AEA 14 has lagged financially due to its sparse population and low special education funding. Services such…

Fiscal problems facing big-city schools have been exacerbated by several underlying problems and have also raised conceptual issues concerning higher government levels' involvement in dealing with the problems. Alternative policies, however, are being developed to handle the problems and questions. In many big-city districts, but chiefly those in…

This document examines the issues of educational excellence and equity. The Milwaukee Public School System, Wisconsin, is cited as an example of a desegregation program that both exceeded court requirements of equity and also made a substantial contribution to the goals of excellence in education. The school effectiveness movement, like…

This paper examines the changes that have occurred in the distribution and expenditures of funds in Rhode Island as a result of the change from categorical to block grant funding. Data were collected from the state education agency and each local education agency (LEA). Data on fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984 expenditures in and administration…