This study of the interaction between school and social context is divided into two parts. The first section examined some environmental factors external to the school that directly influence school policies and practices. Citizen participation in school activities and the relationship of the school to the state are two of the topics examined. The…

The President has recently signed a package of technical amendments for Chapters 1 and 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Among the new provisions are a number which restore some of the targeting flexibility authorizations lost with the creation of Chapter 1. One of the most significant new provisions requires State…

The Urban Initiative of the New Jersey Department of Education commits large numbers of its staff to a variety of efforts to improve schooling in the State's urban areas. It also represents an effort to develop a programmatic response that is rooted in research to the problems of urban education. In broad outline, the initiative is a…

This report contains a synopsis of all public education waivers to improve student achievement granted to Texas school districts during the period from September 1, 1991 through August 31, 1992. The purpose of the waivers is to set aside a requirement or prohibition imposed by state law that inhibits student achievement. The state's educational…

The budget proposal presents New York State's recommendations regarding state support of public schools. The report is organized into five main sections (sample subsections in parentheses): overview of the fiscal year and school year (1982-83) changes in general support for public schools (provisions for public school support through a new fund…

The New Jersey State Facilitator Project of the New Jersey State Department of Education attempted to implement the department's urban education improvement plan. A meeting with urban educators was held to discuss the services available through the Facilitator Project and how they might best be provided to the cities. The project was committed to…

Examines the assumptions that educational vouchers will mean less state control over education, more choice for parents, and education that serves the child's best interest. The assertion that a voucher system will lead to more efficient and effective schools is examined in the light of five educational goals. (CMG)

This paper describes the issues associated with in-service training programs in public schools and includes an historical overview and suggestions for future programs. (MM)

The major findings of nine State case studies on the effects and implementation of Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) of 1981, are summarized and synthesized in this report. The States examined (Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington) were selected to…

The Kentucky Dropout Prevention Advisory Commission, appointed in 1984, found enough evidence to conclude that Kentucky's dropout problem is large enough to nerit the development of statewide dropout prevention efforts. Any such effort, the Commission states, will require a commitment from all Kentucky officials, educators, and citizens to educate…

With reference to current fiscal distress in California, sources of school district revenue are described, potential local revenue sources identified, and equity issues involved in increased local funding noted. (MJL)

This report presents a systematic analysis of State and national data to document the current status of education in Colorado and to chart the progress made in the State. It is designed to respond to citizen interest in Colorado K-12 education. Data, compiled from numerous department, Federal, and other State sources, are presented in four…

With the state facing lawsuits over school funding, the Joint Interim Subcommittee on School Funding of the Montana Legislature recommended establishing guaranteed tax base aid to schools. The subcommittee made the recommendations in November 1992 to the 53rd Legislature. The legislation, LC 36, would equalize funding for school district facility…

The 1990 Report of the Task Force on School Health examines the current status of Maryland's school health programs and proposes 16 recommendations designed to implement a comprehensive school health (CSH) program to meet the needs of all students. The report describes the Task Force, which was appointed in 1989. After presenting a background on…

This paper explores educational financial flexibility with a focus on the specific issues surrounding local flexibility in North Carolina school districts. Strategies that states have used to increase local financial flexibility include waivers, reduction of budget categories, block grants, and school-based budgeting. The North Carolina system of…