Considers the impact of state power and authority on community college governance. Traces the trend toward increased state influence over institutional decisions in California and Florida. Looks at implications for the future. (DMM)

Contends that organizations such as the ACLU ignore basic structural features of the U.S. public schools and make incorrect assumptions about the nature of values and religion in arguing against recent censorship efforts, thereby promoting secular humanism at the expense of other religious beliefs and strengthening the censorship role of the…

The authors suggests that educational change, like all societal change, takes place as a result of policies interacting with the environment. He explains why some environments are more receptive to change than others. (Editor)

This paper is focused on the last of the fourth options in the "What Works When" series, a series designed to help district leaders understand what is known about when and under what circumstances each of the four options works to improve student learning. The goal of this series is to help district leaders determine which change is the…

This study provides a brief overview of the current status of performance funding programs around the country, and compares California's Partnership for Excellence for Community Colleges with programs applicable to two-year institutions in five other states: Florida, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The comparative analysis…

The total cost of ownership (TCO) of computer technology in California's K-12 public schools is assessed via a study of two high schools, one elementary school, and one school district that have implemented successful technology programs. The research covers four fundamental problems in technology ownership that add costs to schools and create…

The relation that should exist between central and local authorities has long been a favorite theme for persons interested in various theories of government. Many arguments have been produced, some based upon fact and others upon opinion, as to the relative merits of centralized and localized plans of government. In the field of education, as in…

Author appraised the school finance reform movement and discussed the origins and aspirations of the movement, the critical decisions of Serrano and Rodriquez, the reform developments in state legislatures, and the alternatives proposed as fiscal solutions. (Editor/RK)

Analyzes the circumstances that led to the governmental decision to transfer the administrative control of the separate group of Maori primary schools in New Zealand from the central Department of Education to the regional education boards. (Authors)

Discusses the merger of Wisconsin's 2 state universities. (PG)

A case is made for the end of local property taxation and a complete takeover of financing public schools by the state. (NI)

Sketches the Ohio Department of Education strategy for making effective schools, that is, by defining school effectiveness and by citing the general factors influencing the conduct of effective programs. (JW)

Reveals some of the lessons learned from state and local efforts to transform low-performing schools. Summarizes and analyzes the state and local intervention experience based on a review of efforts undertaken in 22 states since 1989. Classifies these interventions in terms of their intrusiveness: mild, moderate, and strong. (Contains 12…

The second of two articles addresses recent school finance litigation raised in five states. These decisions appear to have strengthened the concept of education as a state responsibility, so much so that the likelihood of significant reversal toward increased local autonomy appears to be improbable. (MLF)

School support centers have been established to facilitate the Queensland (Australia) State Education Department's restructuring efforts. Although these centers are supposed to assist schools as they define their own needs, they must also ensure that schools accomplish system imperatives and centrally determined priorities. Interviews with one…