The United States has provided generations of its residents with the prospect of advancing themselves through education and hard work, and U.S. leaders have the opportunity to make sure this continues for generations to come. To do so, they must handle the national deficit in a decisive, thoughtful manner, ensuring a prosperous future for the…

Are the five states that are participating in the Great Start project, in fact, off to a Great Start? The simple answer from a casual read of this excellent case study appears to be "yes." Any early learning initiative that begins with a scientific evaluation is off to a great start. Sadly, some public and private funders have begun early learning…

This article discusses the importance of budget monitoring in fiscal management; describes ways in which computerized budget monitoring increases accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility; outlines steps in the budget process; and presents sample reports, generated using the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet and graphics program. (IAH)

The program budget is seen as usually measuring the cost of resources used in a program, but it is suggested that it should be extended to measure and evaluate program quality. Types of budgets, building a budget, politics of budgeting, and budgeting for quality are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the concept of "fixed-unit price contracting," an arrangement that is becoming popular with private industry councils (PICs). Guidelines include (1) find out as much as you can about the PIC's requirements; (2) figure out whether you can meet the PIC's requirements; and (3) keep in mind that most elements of a fixed-unit price…

States that, because of budgeting problems, more high schools are having to run their yearbook publication as an extracurricular club and not as a class. Suggests approaches to dealing with this problem, including preplanning for running the yearbook as an extracurricular activity and being a vocal advocate for maintaining yearbook publication as…

Stresses the importance of management skills and budgeting expertise for school library media specialists, and discusses the budgeting process as it relates to identifying needs, sharing responsibility in securing funds, and justifying budget requests. A list of references is included. (FM)

Flexible budgeting can help coordinate and harmonize scarce financial resources in adult education. Budgets can be used as quantitative tools to manage instructional salaries, facilities, supplies, or other program support. (SK)

Focuses on dealing with budget cuts in higher education. The article argues that the best way to make cuts is to involve everyone in developing a budget plan that supports the institutional priorities. (CK)

Based on the view that athletics are a valuable part of the school program, this article suggests where budget cuts in the athletic program might be made. (Author/JM)

The Task Force on Resource Allocation for Program Evaluation was established by Division H of the American Educational Research Association at the 1978 Annual Meeting in Toronto. This paper presents the recommendations of the Task Force concerning the allocation of resources for program evaluation. Program evaluation is needed to provide…

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) refers to a system whereby the entire nursing program is reevaluated yearly and justification for all programs and expenditures must be made. ZBB is compared to the governmental sunset law. (JOW)

Presents a model to ascertain the "critical mass" in ratings points required to facilitate renewal of prime-time network programs aired between 1971 and 1985. Emphasizes a financial model incorporating revenue levels needed to offset program costs--advertising agency commissions, affiliate compensation, network overhead--and program…

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) criticizes state-mandated program-oriented budgeting as limited, laborious, inflexible, and more concerned with efficiency than with sound education. NJEA sets out its own guidelines on school budgeting, which favor the traditional line-item budget. (SJL)

This article attempts to encapsulate the current concerns of those called upon to teach and learn public budgeting. It traces the changes that have been and are occurring and discusses their implications for the study of public budgeting. It examines the budgetary environment, traditional approaches, politicization, budget system objectives, and…