Reports trends over a recent nine-year period in student access to and choice of public or private college as related to availability of monetary awards from one of the largest state student financial aid agencies, the Illinois State Scholarship Commission. Survey responses indicate that state awards foster access to Illinois college and…

Comparison of five proposals to change state higher education tuition and aid policies suggests that tuition and aid must be explicitly linked for efficient and equitable results. However, it is extremely difficult to adopt explicitly linked policies. The findings support critics who warn that attempts to adopt high-tuition/high-aid policies will…

This study examined state-by-state variation in high school completion rates and the impact of state-level child disability, demographic, and economic factors upon completion by diploma or certificate for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED). Variables examined included ethnicity, geographic region, per capita personal income, per pupil…

The goal of California's classroom size reduction (CSR) program is to have 20 or fewer students in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms. Districts receive $650 for each student in a reduced classroom. Describes how districts implemented the plan and offers five lessons from struggles and successes with CSR. A table displays average elementary…

Some forces that undermine programs for gifted, such as misguided fiscal policies, simplistic teaching methodologies, and a resurgence of the philosophy of egalitarianism, are reviewed in this article. Analogous to the demise (and possible resurgence) of programs for the gifted is the evolution of women's sports since the 1920s. (Contains…

A report on a study of the relationship between school spending and student learning in Tennessee. The study, based on data from the Tennessee State Department of Education, found no significant relationship between district spending and student academic achievement. (Contains 19 references.) (WFA)

Examines, in detail, the recent events in New York that led to improvements in early childhood (child care and Head Start) teacher compensation. (BB)

The aggregate financing of student aid by the federal government, state governments, and institutions over the past 25 years is discussed. Trends in the composition of aid delivered (grants, loans, and work study) are described. Over time comparisons in the numbers of recipients and aid per recipient are given by programs. (Author/MLW)

The question of legal responsibility for state participation in school building costs has never been completely answered. Reviews court decisions and offers recommendations to those involved in educational facilities. (MLF)

A Michigan State senator discusses institutional relationships with the state legislature and communication problems between institution and government that interfere with policy and budgeting processes. (MSE)

Analysis of the Zobrest versus Catalina Foothills School District (1993) case (in which the Supreme Court ruled that using state monies to pay for sign language interpreting services in a parochial school does not violate the Establishment Clause) suggests that, had the Court understood the interpreter's participatory role, it might well have…

Examines Michigan's educational reform efforts. The author describes the vision that guided the reform movement and outlines the state's education system when reform efforts were begun in 1989. Financial, structural, and political impediments to reform are discussed. Finally, the changes that have occurred and those that are being sought in order…

Data from a survey of 230 college sociology departments revealed patterns of employment and academic rank among African-American faculty. African Americans do not necessarily have many African-American colleagues, numerical influence in departments, or equality in rank. African-American student population, school location, and dependence on…

Given the state of Chapter 1 funding, regular and special education advocates must fight for higher federal and state special education funding, resist legislators' efforts to divide their common child advocacy interests, work to entitle both special education and economically and educationally disadvantaged children under federal funding…

In academic 1992-93, states will provide colleges and student-aid programs $300-million less than in 1991-92 and $200-million less than the previous year. Tables detail appropriations by state, rank states with percent changes noted, and list appropriations and changes for major institutions and activities by state. (MSE)