Hank Levin, the director of Stanford University's Institute for Research and Governance, discusses part of his center's research agenda and the pessimistic prospects surrounding educational finance. Condensed from "Educational R&D Report," Fall 1980. (Author/SJL)

One of the most elusive problems confronted in designing state aid programs for the public schools has been the determination of equitable measures of local fiscal capacity. (Author)

Efforts of members of the Michigan higher education community to defeat a substantial 1980 tax-cut bill, Proposal D, before the state's voters were successful. The history and strategy of the campaign are described, including a coalition of 150 groups that raised funds and advertised their cause throughout the state. (MSE)

A case study of the role of the state in the past, present, and future financing of the Los Angeles Unified School District illustrates the extent to which Proposition 13 has reduced the capacity of localities to raise their own taxes. Journal availability: see EA 511 898. (Author/IRT)

Summarizes the results of a statewide economic impact analysis of Maryland's 17 community colleges which revealed that expenditures had positive short-range and long-range impacts on the state economy in the areas of business, general employment, and increased student earning potential. Presents suggestions for conducting impact studies. (MB)

Discusses the ramifications of Proposition 13 in light of cut-backs to community college personnel, programs, and services. Underscores that no aura surrounds the community college. Stresses that the days of unlimited availability of funds for community colleges have ceased. (CM)

Discusses the interdistrict inequities that exist in financing community colleges in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Mississippi--four states in which districts contribute substantial revenues to local institutions. Links the problems of equity and adequacy that are intensified by increasing costs, declining enrollments, and the increase of…

The effects of cost differences on equality of educational opportunity may be grossly overestimated. Until the equity of the distribution dimension of existing state plans has been determined, funding on the basis of cost differences has the potential for contributing to greater inequities. (Author/IRT)

Allocation of a lump sum appropriation among seven colleges and universities in a single system can often be a source of wide dissention. Institutions in Oregon have achieved consensus on a budget allocation model that rests on recent advances in cost analysis. The model allocates funds on an equal basis for each major discipline and by level of…

The wide differences in payments for foster care from one state to another and the variety of payment systems point to the need for a systematic look at the true costs of foster care. (Author)

Georgia's merit-based HOPE scholarships, which cover tuition and fees for over half the undergraduates at the University of Georgia, are credited for bringing better students to the university but also for bringing pressure for grade inflation to the institution. Recipients must maintain a B grade average. The university has become competitive…

In British Columbia the state was found liable for discrimination by refusing to fund therapy treatment for autistic children under its medicare system. Although the judges expressly disavowed the education context from their consideration, there will likely be attempts to apply the ruling to special education situations since therapy can be…

The proportion of adult undergraduates to adult populations in the 50 states was calculated. Cross-sectoral analysis identified state characteristics that correlated with participation rates. Best predictors were availability of undergraduate education, educational technology efforts, the population's level of educational attainment, budget…

Over the past 30 years, federal and state courts have addressed numerous education finance equity issues, particularly the inadequacies of state aid funding formulas. This article discusses government responsibility, judicial intervention cases, pending litigation in various states, and future directions for educational finance litigation and…