This report responds to Delaware state legislation requiring the development of proposed revised regulations for the classification of students as learning disabled (LD). The report first describes the current system, noting that in 1997 15 percent of the student population were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and over…

In the effort to improve essential components of the Basic Education Program (BEP), the General Assembly has adopted legislation directing the BEP Review Committee to perform a comprehensive review of the funding formula, identifying needed revisions, additions, or deletions. This year, through a series of full-day meetings, the committee has…

Analyzes 1990-91 school finance data for six New England states. Examines state support for local education, distribution of state aid in relation to local wealth differences, these policies' effect on funding equity for local taxpayers, and the relationship between taxpayer equity and per-pupil spending disparities. Only Maine and Vermont have…

This paper offers a conceptual and technical framework for examining alternative approaches for funding special education. The paper discusses fundamental policy questions that guide the selection of an appropriate funding approach, presents criteria for evaluating funding formulas, and analyzes alternative approaches for their fiscal and…

The new funding system of Czech higher education, linking funds allocated and student enrollment patterns, is explained and compared with the British system. It is found that the Czech system does not address the issue of enrollment control. Related policy issues and possible future policy directions are examined. (MSE)

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)

Although vouchers were popular among 1970s leftists, a political standoff has kept them unavailable to 99% of urban school children. This article debunks common arguments against vouchers and advocates a system that awards substantial voucher amounts (a 20% spending boost) to needy students, thus mollifying conservatives and progressives. (MLH)

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…

In addition to setting high standards for student performance, educational policies must consider what resources are essential to provide an adequate educational program to meet all students' learning needs. Policy makers also want to ensure that educators make efficient use of available resources. In this exploration of school finance policy, we…

In a review of statewide plans for assessing student learning at institutions of higher education, this paper argues that assessment, carefully planned to focus on students, can lead to an improvement in the communication and understanding between the academy and the polity. A brief section on the role of statewide assessment places it in a…

This report is the result of a 1995 national mail survey of state special education administrators concerning mechanisms used by states to fund special education services for school-age children with disabilities and the costs to provide these services. All 50 states and the District of Columbia responded to the survey. Part 1 contains three…

Examining the methodology used to fund Iowa's 15 community colleges, this report reviews the history of the state's community colleges, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the funding formula, and describes principles upon which sound funding should be based. Following a preface and executive summary, an introduction is provided to Iowa's…

To meet statutory and policy requirements regulating education in West Virginia, the state superintendent, supported by educational organizations, has suggested that the legislature change the current foundation formula to one based on educational needs. The needs-based approach would focus primarily on the number of personnel needed to carry out…

Since the early 1970s, secondary vocational education (SVE) in Minnesota has been funded either by paying districts a flat percentage of eligible costs or by paying a percentage of eligible costs plus paying for certain excess costs. By the mid-1980s, a number of questions and concerns about SVE funding were emerging. Among the specific concerns…

This guide explains Alberta's Program Unit Funding, a means to provide individual programs to supplement support for young children (ages 2.5 to 6 years) with severe disabilities. This program requires development of an Individualized Program Plan for each child and an individual budget plan submitted each school year. After an overview, sections…