Reviews literature on cost-of-living adjustments. Analyzes advantages and disadvantages of three alternative strategies for updating the Texas Cost-of-Education Index used in its school finance formula: A comparable-wage index, a cost-of-services index, and a cost-of-outcomes index. (Contains 38 references.) (PKP)

The best kind of performance-based funding system is that which encourages and rewards good practice. Any state incentive program should encourage colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive database, conduct more and better talent development assessments, increase student-faculty contact, and increase student involvement in learning.…

Using a methodology previously applied to municipalities, this paper examines the fiscal condition of Nebraska's school districts. Nebraska contains over 900 districts, ranging from very small to large full-service districts in Lincoln and Omaha. The largest and smallest districts are in best fiscal condition. State aid inequities could be…

Discusses issues related to formula funding and budgeting in higher education, in general, and in academic libraries, specifically. The strengths and weaknesses of state funding formulas and academic library budgeting formulas are evaluated, based on a survey of libraries in eight states. The role of coordinating agencies and structures is also…

At the aggregate level it appears that the state share of public school financing has shifted from parity to dominance. However, there is substantial diversity among states. Through a synthesis of the literature on fiscal federalism, political culture, state politics, and public policy, explanations are offered for this interstate divergence.…

The educational reform movement has resulted in staff development requirements which have created implementation problems for rural schools. The educational cooperative provides a solution to these implementation problems. (JD)

Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York face giant deficits in their state budgets. The financial impact of the 1986 federal tax reform law was underestimated by colleges and income estimates were overly optimistic for 1988 and 1989. Unpopular, new taxes are seen as the way to solve the budget crunch. (MLW)

A federal judge's specifications for desegregating Mississippi's state colleges are excerpted from a recent court ruling. Issues addressed include the state's formula for financing colleges, whether the case should focus on students or institutions, the missions of historically black colleges and predominantly white institutions, and campus…

This article focuses on technology policy recommendations for elected officials and educators. Highlights include state government's role, state funding policies, regulatory changes, and county government's role. (LRW)

Information needs of the business community vary depending on size and type of business, competitive environment, state and local support, managerial expertise, and other factors. Discussion includes ways libraries meet these diverse needs, including the offering of fee-based information services. (Author/AEF)

The Texas legislature has mandated assessment of research programs in the state that receive separate line-item appropriations. The two-phase process involves institutional self-studies and site visits resulting in a final report with recommendations. The first two cycles of the assessment have indicated that process is more critical than result.…

Comparison of 1983-84 state survey of mandated staff development with a current study shows that, although state support for education has significantly increased, funding for staff development has not. No correlation was found between per-pupil expenditures and funding for mandatory staff development. (SK)

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)

Discusses the high drop-out rates in most Canadian provinces and social motivators for leaving school. Examines the extent to which allocation of provincial funds to local school systems influences the drop-out problem. Suggests that provincial compensatory funding has had limited but positive impact on drop-out rates. Recommends drop-out…

Explores the recent status of funding formula use among the states, focusing on changes over the last eight years. Determines how guidelines or formulas drive usage and discusses innovations in formula design. Funding formulas are becoming more complex and are used to protect base budgets and achieve equity. Although formula usage will not…