Court-imposed school finance equalization and tax limitation measures in California have created a centralized system of school finance. Political tensions and conflict that have arisen from this centralized control are discussed, with reference to the Serrano mandate and categorical funding. (SLD)

Maryland provides funds for systemic renovation projects that are infrastructure improvements in public schools. State funds are provided on a sliding scale based on the age of the system being replaced and the wealth of the school district. (MLF)

Oregon State University and Southern Oregon State College have responded to state budget cuts with fundamental changes in academic programs and departments. Reductions are being made according to state guidelines for eliminating programs, rather than skimming broadly. Faculty are angered about personal and scholarly losses. (MSE)

Traces the history of community college funding. Contends that state and federal appropriations will never again provide sufficient funds for innovation and excellence in higher education. Underscores the current need for resource development programs, and an institutional climate that makes resource development the business of every college…

The magnitude of special education funding requirements has placed strains on both state and local budgets. Funding formulas for special education can be grouped as resource based, child based, or cost based. A table provides a summary of the incentives and disincentives associated with each type of funding. (13 references) (MLF)

Describes efforts in Mississippi to reposition its 15 public community colleges to enhance their ability to provide work force training, adult literacy education, and information and communication technology programs. Discusses the colleges' assets, the use of the media to strengthen effective programs' images, and resulting increases in funding.…

Describes the origins and first two years of a focused collaborative project involving Wichita State University (Kansas), the aviation industry, and state economic-development organizations. The center is industry-driven and reflects the industry's current technological needs. The arrangement can offer significant advantages to each stakeholder,…

Under pressure from governors and legislators to heighten academic rigor, technical colleges in several states are becoming part of higher education, whether they want to or not. With business leaders calling for better-educated workers, technical colleges are seen increasingly as stepping-stone institutions within higher education and key cogs in…

School-finance equity is deceivingly complex. Equity necessitates fair and just treatment, which might actually require unequal treatment of some individuals or groups. State governments face a tremendous challenge in developing school-finance systems that result in equity for children. Obstacles include finding the correct mix of taxes to…

A study examined the legislative and policy mandates of 38 states regarding alternative education. Results indicate variability in state policy/legislative mandates and funding mechanisms, acceleration in alternative education activity, a commitment to providing technical assistance, limited state compliance-monitoring, and an emphasis on…

Describes the measures adopted by Prince George's Community College to meet a midyear 10% budget cut. Indicates that several measures were taken, including cost containment in equipment purchasing, professional development, and hiring; administrative reorganization; an early retirement program; and an Instructional Services Fee based on an…

Examines the charter school approach in educational reform, discusses where it needs improvement and what state policy action may be needed in start-up, and presents some key recommendations. The nature of charter schools, their general purpose, composition, benefits, and problems also are examined. (GR)

Reports expenditures on tobacco control programs in California schools since 1989 and data from students interviewed as part of the California Tobacco Surveys in 1990, 1993, and 1996. Results indicate that the provision of substantial money for tobacco control to schools from 1989-1997 was not sufficient to ensure that effective interventions were…

Argues that community colleges give less attention to noncredit courses and programs, those that are designed to assist in some sort of job training or those that simply enrich a student's knowledge. Sees this credit-based value system as highlighting the discrepancy between what community colleges offer and what students, especially older ones,…

In a period of declining state support for education, we argue S/FL teachers and teacher educators would do well to become oriented to language program preservation and advancement. We discuss three areas such an orientation could take, namely organizing, direct action, and fundraising, so that teachers and students can become more involved in…