Prospective research on the politics of school finance is linked to current major policy issues in this paper. Two main sections discuss the politics of revenue raising and distribution within school districts. New developments include a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and of policy instrument research with financial…

This teacher's manual is one volume of a six volume curriculum for the secondary level, designed to provide a systematic, group-oriented approach to decision-making in areas crucial to adolescent development: work, drug (substance) use and abuse, sexuality and social relationships, juvenile law, and people and government. The general goals of the…

This report presents a statistical portrait of the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of American children and youth. The source of the data in U.S. government sources includes surveys, censuses, and vital statistics. In general, children are defined as persons under 14 years old, and youth as persons 14 to 24 years old. Exceptions…

Cognitive and behavioral objectives of a K-12 political education program are outlined. Four major categories of competencies are presented: (1) understanding the essential roles of government in any society; (2) knowledge of the structure and functioning of the American government at the national, state, and local levels; (3) understanding the…

This report presents a statistical portrait of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of American youth, ages 14 to 24 years old, between the late 1960's and the early 1970's. Data are included on population growth, racial composition, distribution, and mobility; education; marital status and family composition; fertility; labor force…

The failure of a property tax levy, submitted to Cincinnati voters in November and December of 1966, resulted in an announced reduction within the school district's summer school, kindergarten, and interscholastic athletic programs. To determine the effect of this reduction on voter support for the schools, a stratified sample of 520 registered…

Presents a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the effects of public opinion polling on elections and the political power structure. Generally refutes the revisionist criticism that polling acts as a preemptive strike curtailing political expression in favor of the power elite. Considers issues related to the tyranny of the majority. (MJP)

Presents results of a study exploring how demographic trends are affecting political support for public education. Explains that the study expected and found that parents would support increases in public school taxes more than nonparents. Suggests that political ideology was a stronger indicator of support for public education than was…

Explores the constitutional amendments and federal laws that extended the right to vote to most citizens. Discusses the historical circumstances and social issues that surrounded passage of the 15th Amendment (elimination of racial barriers), 19th Amendment (women's right to vote), and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (MJP)

Maintains that the National Voter Registration Act (the Motor Voter Law), which requires states to provide voter registration forms with vehicle registration and at public assistance sites, has increased dramatically the number of registered voters. Discusses legal challenges and answers critics' objections. (MJP)

A study was done of the school reform and restructuring effort in the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools specifically of the extent to which the legislative mandate for restructuring, new management, and constituent interests has been translated into educational policy and voter turnout in local school council elections. The study used data from a…

Written to help Hispanics understand the electoral process more thoroughly and to encourage them to participate more actively in the political arena, this manual begins by describing the present status of the Hispanic electorate and then explains how laws are made, how Hispanics can influence legislation, and how to organize a voter registration…

A 1980 survey of General Educational Development (GED) equivalency certificate recipients who completed the GED test in 1975 measured influence and impact of successful GED completion on the individual. The sample consisted of 101 former adult students whose records came from the Murray and Paducah, Kentucky, GED testing centers. The survey…

To examine whether voting behavior is a good indicator of public opinion toward controversial issues such as nuclear power, a study was undertaken to assess the meaning of the defeat of Proposition 15 in California in June, 1976. Proposition 15 called for more stringent legislative regulation of the nuclear power industry. Specifically, the study…

A study was undertaken in Washington state to investigate voting behavior on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was approved by Washington state voters in 1972. Specifically, research objectives were to determine who was for or against the ERA, to assess the nature of objections to the ERA, and to consider implications of the ERA for family…