School districts are caught in a financial squeeze with reduced federal funding, recessionary reductions at the state level, and political pressures against raising taxes. School districts are searching for alternative sources of funds including school impact fees and business partnerships. One method, tax abatement, often costs districts because…

Data from two-parent families in midwestern rural county revealed that adverse economic change increased economic pressures and hardship adaptations in ways that matched effect of income level and exceeded influence of unstable work. Pressures and adaptations mediated negative effects of economic adversity on emotional health and family…

The expected 7.7 percent increase in state student financial aid has been revised down because of midyear state budget reductions, to possibly the lowest rate in 23 years. Few states will make big increases. About 52 percent of all need-based aid will go to private college students. Dollar amounts of aid in each state for 1991-92 are charted. (MSE)

If students can direct visitors to their school library/media center, it probably is central to their learning. A 1992 study found the size of school library staff and collections to be the best school predictor of student achievement. Budget cuts have resulted in too many understaffed, understocked, and closed-down facilities. Cooperation with…

Discusses programs sponsored by groups that promote history instruction in the state of Maine. Reports recent developments concerning Maine's social studies curriculum. Underscores the significance of and financial problems facing "Maine's Common Core of Learning," a program setting out what the state's youth should know in the…

A study of 25 South Dakota school districts found that combining the superintendency with either the elementary or the secondary principalship was not an ideal arrangement. For the district and teachers, the most consistent disadvantages relate to inadequate instructional leadership. For the superintendents, the greatest disadvantage is sacrifice…

Financial pressures, increasing enrollments, and the need for remedial education for many students are causing community colleges to reassess their priorities. Some faculty feel remedial programs are draining resources from other valuable areas of the curriculum. (MSE)

It is argued that educational finance reform proposals have emphasized the elements of a desirable financial system too greatly, while downplaying the constraints facing educational change. These constraints are illustrated in the case study of educational reform in Manitoba, which has about 60 school divisions and districts. (SLD)

Technology education is not an attractive option for developing countries with overwhelming short-term priorities. Rather than building a technologically literate population or preparing people for postsecondary technical education, these countries need curricula that solve basic economic development and unemployment problems. (SK)

Beleaguered boards and superintendents can get the most out of the limited state funds they are allotted by lowering personnel costs. Suggestions include reducing full-time positions to part-time, consolidating positions by hiring staff with dual certification, filling administrative posts with teachers holding administrative certificates, and…

The 1965 Immigration Act has significantly influenced American institutions and agencies. This act, which focused on family reunification and desired occupational skills instead of racial origin, has resulted in a massive increase of immigrant students from Asia and Latin America without increased funding to educate and assimilate them. Reduction…

As many as 25% of American school buildings are inadequate. However, many districts have reduced maintenance to pay utility bills. An active energy-management program can lower utility costs through efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofits that pay back in less than three years. (MLF)

Programs for academically gifted students are being sacrificed to address elitism charges and budget crunches, at the same time that funding for students with other exceptional education needs is expanding. Gifted students can be reenfranchised by preparing teachers appropriately, differentiating course content, and improving pacing and grouping…

Although many superintendents remain leery of the charter reform movement, some (in Flagstaff, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; and San Carlos, California), see beyond threats to a districtwide innovation model. Taking charters' lead, Flagstaff opened a magnet school and a full-day kindergarten. Another superintendent chartered his entire…

Despite their advantages for students, school-based health centers are not prevalent due to preoccupation with academic standards, jurisdictional overlap problems, and a patchwork of funding sources. Coalition-building, effective resource management, and establishment of cooperative staff working relations are essential. Online resources are…