Analyzes the increases in per-pupil expenditures in elementary and secondary education since World War II and discusses factors contributing to the increase. A significant cause is the 86% inflation-adjusted increase in teacher salaries between 1949-50 and 1971-72, although teacher salaries have increased little since that time. (SLD)

Traditional approaches to defining academic quality (reputational, resources, and outcomes or value-added) are criticized as not providing useful information. An alternative perspective is offered, focusing on fundamental course-level academic processes and defining the quality of such processes as the level of understanding of course content…

The financial component of Spain's effort to reform higher education is outlined, particularly as it is designed to accomplish changes in program design and manage educational quality. Proposals for financing public universities include a new financial structure for universities, a new resource allocation model, and a program of student grants and…

The implementation of a shared decision making (SDM) project in a large public secondary school was studied for three years. Factors that enhanced the SDM process were the confidence stakeholders had in themselves, resource availability, creation of democratic rules and procedures, early and concrete accomplishments, and the principal's support.…

Analyzes the relationship between the general fund allocations within a midsized school district and the ethnic, linguistic, and economic diversity of the student body. Findings reveal significant inequities in funding, student-teacher ratios, and resources. (GR)

Discussion of technological change, the growth of information sources, and shrinking higher education budgets focuses on the merger of the library and the computer center at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The role of the library director, staffing issues, resource allocation, and vision of service are examined. (Author/LRW)

Describes the evolution of a model, developed by student affairs officials, which outlines a planning process for implementing Total Quality Management. Presents step-by-step instructions for the model's deployment and discusses such issues as transitions, planning forms, goals, and professional and personal growth needs. (RJM)

Explains economists' general approach to family behavior and describes how that framework is useful for thinking about families and children. Outlines how economists model parental investment in children. Examines the implications of approach for developmental science. Illustrates this approach using the example of the involvement of children and…

A survey of 171 full-time faculty at a Manitoba community college identified some factors affecting participation in staff development activities. College teaching experience and perception of administrative climate were the most important determinants, suggesting administrators play a key role through funding and reward structure. (Author/MSE)

A review of articles, research studies, and textbooks on school finance and the economics of education in the 1980s is presented. General issues discussed include theoretical concepts, fund raising and fund distribution alternatives, and promotion of educational equity and efficiency through resource allocation. (TJH)

Eight articles examine the impact of rising costs of serials and monographs on library services. Topics covered include crisis management strategies; insights from the vendor's perspective; the particular problems of research institutions; the impact of tight budgets on technical processes; and options for cost savings through resource sharing and…

Surveys extent to which policymakers, practitioners, and retirees anticipate need for increased support services for aging population. Suggests policymakers and practitioners recognize that additional tax revenue and allocation will help obtain additional services. Calls for balance between desire for services and willingness to pay for them.…

The extent to which state allocation formulas under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act Chapter Two bloc grant promotes traditional equity or redistribution objectives is examined. Factors associated with the variation among states in the redistributive nature of their Chapter Two formulas are explained. (SLD)

In Sheffield, England, a budget crisis and the growing demands of the National Curriculum sparked a campaign for improved contact ratios and class sizes. The local education authority established an independent inquiry to determine existing resourcing patterns and create the framework for a new curriculum-led funding rationale. This paper…

The Goals 2000 Act focuses on local decisions to improve education. The challenge for school business administrators will be to meet the changes in the way schools and districts operate in the areas of linking social services, budgeting, and purchasing. Lists the eight goals of the act, along with the objectives for measuring achievement of each…