This overview provides a synthesis of a comprehensive survey of school finance programs in the 50 states conducted in 2006-07. Information was provided by chief state school finance officers or persons with expertise in a state's public school funding-allocation system. Brief descriptions of the major Pre-K-12 funding formulae, district-based…

The top priority for college and university administrators should be to ensure that their instructional programs, and thus their entire institutions, are managed in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Proper management of fiscal resources determines the degree to which institutions are open and affordable. Review of the current…

A survey of nonformal community education activities was conducted to determine specific use of media for identified educational and informational purposes. The results presented in this report are intended to provide resource information to professionals and paraprofessionals who ultimately may be employed in Learning Resource Center-Based…

Although educational productivity research has been much debated in school finance litigation, it has proven largely irrelevant to resolution by the courts of broad equity issues raised by the allocation of educational resources among school districts. Relevant court cases and arguments, current legal trends, and possible future directions are…

Describes how substantial new monetary resources were made available to Chicago public schools after the Chicago School Reform Act and how they were used to stimulate change at the school level. The article briefly examines the allocation method for state chapter funds and discusses the findings from an analysis of 14 sample schools. (GLR)

This report, part of a project called "Redesigning Higher Education", argues that a set of fundamental changes underlies the growing number of critical difficulties faced by higher education in the United States. It finds the governance structures of American higher education inadequate to deal with a changing and increasingly cost-conscious…

An overview is given of the state of teaching materials and aids used in schools in Japan. In section I, an outline is presented of the Japanese system of providing teaching materials. Several laws and regulations regarding the provision and use of textbooks are described, including: (1) school education law; (2) law concerning the organization…

Current formula funding practices in the South and implications for the future are analyzed. Formula funding systems are used in 12 of the 14 states belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Changes that have occurred in the formulas of each state since 1973-74 are described. Data from 1977-78 academic year are compared to the…

The status of research on administrative problems caused by declining enrollments is discussed, and a theoretical framework for administrative decision making is presented. Managing enrollment declines is difficult because administrators are forced to deal simultaneously with increasing costs and staff reductions. (PP)

This monograph on health problems and health systems throughout the world addresses the following topics: (1) global health patterns and prospects; (2) basic concepts on primary health care and prerequisites of support to primary health care; (3) organizing health system support for primary health care; (4) intersectoral support for primary health…

Elements of the institutional planning process are outlined and major issues in planning are discussed, including the distinction of process vs. product, the use of models, the importance of building consensus, side effects and pitfalls, and the use of outside consultants. (MSE)

Probably, no one "best" model for training teachers in computer literacy will emerge; consequently, staff developers should be familiar with various approaches and apply what they already know about effective staff development to this area. Questions are raised about program objectives, reallocation of resources, training methods, and long-term…

The recent rapid growth of Saudi higher education and the need for faculty are examined, with reference to government publications and international statistics. The possibility of having an adequate Saudi faculty and of using Arabic as the standard language of instruction are discussed. (MSE)

Performance funding for public colleges is attractive to state policymakers but volatile and difficult to implement. It requires levels of collaboration, cooperation, patience, and persistence unusual in state government and a commitment to institutional goals, performance standards, and coordinated activities rare in academic governance. However,…

Since the publication of "A Nation at Risk," curriculum leaders have been under increased pressure to make more prudent, informed decisions about allocating district resources that will directly or indirectly lead to increased student achievement. The decision-making process should include a thorough investigation of the best and most…