Argues that demographic, institutional, economic, and technological changes have altered fundamentally both the way we think about what it means to go to college and the methodologies we use to assess college impact. Discusses the implications of four forces: changing undergraduate student population; increasing importance of community colleges;…

A model of state policymaking affecting private higher education involves three constructs of policy posture: laissez faire; central planning; and market competition. Relationships of the policies and postures to state characteristics and policy outcome proxies are explored, and policy implications are drawn. The analysis suggests that…

Research on colleges in Indiana is used to examine how federal, state, private, and institutional financial aid programs and practices interact with each other to determine the total amount of gift-aid a student receives, and how the relationships can dilute or enhance a program's implicit targeting policies. Several case scenarios are used as…

As private colleges approach the turn of the century, they must again operate independent of government support, using enrollment management principles in increasingly sophisticated ways. They will rely more on institutional research to provide both predictive and management tools. Institutional researchers, enrollment managers, and data…

Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress mathematics assessment for within-state samples of eighth graders suggest that achievement is inversely related to school and district size indexes and to state-funding share. Higher achieving states have smaller schools and districts and smaller state shares of school expenditures. (SLD)

Inadequate financial support for higher education is not due to a poor economy or lack of tax dollars, but to the low priority given to higher education by state legislatures. The issue at state and institutional levels is not low or high tuition but finding a planning model that integrates tuition income, tax support, and student aid. (MSE)

To address the health care needs of the millions of uninsured children of low-income families ineligible for Medicaid, many states have developed innovative public and private programs. Examines the privately funded Blue Cross/Blue Shield Caring Program and promising public programs in 11 states. (MDM)

The effectiveness of indirect incentive grants by California on school district spending was investigated by using state data to document the impact of the incentives under Senate Bill 813 (1983). Incentives appeared to be more effective in directing spending toward direct instruction than other grants. (SLD)

Reports on a study conducted by the Two-Year College Development Center to evaluate contract courses delivered by New York community colleges. Discusses findings related to the effectiveness of contract courses, implications of training opportunities, perceived value of training, and employer recommendations. (DMM)

The witness argues that the state of Missouri has discriminated against black children in St. Louis, and that losing the desegregation funding given through the state would have detrimental effects on the quality of education in the city. Calculations are offered in support of this argument. (SLD)

Various strategies used by state policymakers to influence small school districts are discussed. Incentives can be used to help small districts survive or encourage them to reorganize or consolidate. Disincentives, or "the stick," can withhold funding from small districts or establish impossible goals, resulting in consolidation while…

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its five staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by Commissioners…

Financial aid systems help make higher education available to all who can benefit. To "adjust" the existing financial aid system to make it more student friendly and open doors currently closed to many part-time learners and students with the greatest financial challenges, state policy changes and greater private sector initiatives…

As college costs have increased, and more federal and state aid has become merit-based, the doors of educational opportunity have closed for many students. Countless numbers are being denied access to college simply because they cannot afford it, undermining the fundamental policy object of the Higher Education Act of 1965. On Capitol Hill,…

This paper represents a pooling of diverse perspectives and experiences of four organizations concerned that the current block grant structure of funding for social and family support services will not adequately improve the social services system or the lives of children and families. Focusing on ways in which the current re-examination of…