Because most decisions on the basic requirements in public school curricula and on the funding required to implement them are made at the state level, it is proposed that the major U.S. geographical organizations join in a vigorous campaign to promote the establishment of strong state and metropolitan societies. (RM)

Discusses (1) the history of state financial aid to independent colleges and universities; (2) constitutional issues affecting such aid; and (3) several types of aid programs in existence, particularly nonneed-based tuition grants. Speculates on the future of such aid. (MCG)

This publication describes the California community college system's mission, programs, and students, including information about the challenges all 110 campuses share and some of the ways in which they differ. It explores the dynamic tension between enrollment demand and funding, and it summarizes recent research that addresses such issues as…

State policymakers should ensure learning standards for kindergarten are created and aligned both with early learning standards and standards for 1st grade and beyond. Learning standards for kindergarten should be implemented comprehensively across five key domains: physical and motor development, social/emotional development, approaches toward…

This publication provides governmental and higher education decision-makers a statewide perspective of Arkansas public higher education finance for the 2005-07 biennium, as well as trends for the past several years. It also contains a detailed financial profile of each institution and presents a basis for comparative assessments of revenue…

Federal Student Aid's core mission is to ensure that all eligible Americans benefit from federal financial assistance--grants, loans and work-study programs--for education beyond high school. The programs administered comprise the nation's largest source of student aid: during the 2004-05 school year alone, approximately $74 billion in new aid was…

Few studies have examined whether financial aid affects college retention. This paper models the decision to enroll and re-enroll in college, which yields a bivariate probit model that is estimated using detailed individual data from a large public university. The analysis uses the unique detail of institution-specific data to examine the effect…

This report evaluates Florida school district requirements concerning use of the exceptional student education (ESE) Matrix of Services, which is required by the state only for students receiving the most intensive special education services. It provides background information, an explanation of the method used to gather data, and results of the…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. The agency is responsible for receiving and administering federal and state funds for the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Information is reported…

This January 2000 audit report concerns the status of California community college districts' compliance with Section 84752 of the California Education Code, which prohibits districts from receiving full-time equivalent student (FTES) funding for activities that are fully funded through another source. The state apportions funds to districts based…

Despite having its most expensive district spend 1.56 times more than its least expensive district, the state of New York has not used a cost index to determine the distribution of aid to school districts, except for Building Aid. The Consumer Price Index (as suggested by the Regents, Governor Pataki, State Comptroller McCall, and the Midstate…

This brochure contains information about student loans for college applicants and students in Missouri. It is a resource to assist borrowers in making smart repayment decisions and in understanding the options to avoid delinquency and default. Things to consider before one borrows, how to increase one's resources, and how to decrease one's…

Even though a majority of Americans claim to support public funding of the arts, state government spending on the arts is minimal--and may be losing ground relative to other types of state expenditures. Moreover, most state arts agencies, or SAAs, have not succeeded in convincing state government leaders that the arts should be integral to their…

Home to several excellent universities and colleges, the Midwest has long benefited from the region's strong higher education system. However, with projected demographic changes and state support declines, institutions of higher learning face significant challenges in the years ahead. The author identifies two trends: (1) Increasing shift towards…

Making effective financial decisions and knowing how to manage money are skills critical to enjoying a secure financial future. Yet many individuals and families lack the knowledge necessary to make sound financial choices, as evidenced by falling savings rates, mounting consumer debt, and a growing dependence on alternative banking institutions.…