The relationship between the external environment and state appropriations to public higher education is analyzed, focusing on the following: (1) the extent to which environmental factors explain yearly appropriations outcomes for public four-year colleges and universities; (2) which environmental factors are most important and which are least…

The status of Arizona's effort to encourage the creation and expansion of high technology based on the discoveries and new knowledge developed at its research universities is discussed. The study of the University of Arizona and Arizona State University was recommended by the Arizona Board of Regents' Task Force on Excellence, Efficiency and…

To determine the extent of state-mandated staff development activity in the states, a study involving the chief education officer from each of the 50 states was conducted, and the results are reported in this paper. The study and report focus on the following: (1) states mandating staff development programs; (2) states planning legislation…

In the Illinois public community colleges, disadvantaged student grant funds are allocated by formula, with each eligible college district receiving a basic grant of $20,000, and the remaining appropriation distributed to each district based on the number of credit hours produced in the remedial and adult basic and secondary education funding…

An outline is provided, for its staff, of the seven priorities of the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC), during the second half of the California State Legislature's 1987-88 session. The report states that the Commission's staff will: (1) work with legislators and the Governor's staff to develop and implement appropriate…

The trend toward greater state regulation of public higher education is discussed, along with alternative structures or models for state financing of public institutions. The situation in Washington State is briefly described as an illustration. It is proposed that interests of the state, college, and student can be enhanced by allowing colleges…

In fiscal year 1983 nearly 1,500 Alaskan children under the age of 6 received Head Start services from a total of 262 staff members--149 of whom were classroom personnel--and 1,473 volunteers. Over 700 Head Start children received medical screening, and more than 100 needed and received medical treatment through Head Start. Over 800 Head Start…

To investigate fiscal retrenchment effects on states' related services for handicapped youth and to help evaluate Public Law (PL) 94-142 regulations, researchers conducted 120 telephone interviews with state education agency staff in charge of related services and with other educators and citizens in 16 states representing different geographical…

Nine chapters focus on major areas and issues in educational finance. Chapter 1, "Turning-Point Election Periods in the Politics of Education" by Laurence Innaccone, reports on research on changes in the national political context. John F. Jennings in chapter 2, "Politics of Federal Aid," discusses social, economic, and…

A statistical and analytical procedure for selecting states for the purpose of comparing their postsecondary systems with New Jersey's is detailed by a public commission appointed by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education. The approach used factor analysis to examine information on specific variables that describe the socioeconomic and…

The current system of financing postsecondary education in New Jersey and that proposed by the Booher Commission in its final report, "Financing in an Era of Uncertainty," are compared. The Booher Commission was a public, blue ribbon commission appointed by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education. Implementation of the recommendations…

The Advisory Commission for the Study of Public Support for Postsecondary Education in Maine reviewed the financial problems facing Maine's private higher education institutions and the impact of increasing student costs at Maine's public institutions. The text of the state legislation creating the Commission is presented, along with a summary of…

Vermont's Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education was appointed in the summer of 1973 to consider major issues involving Vermont's postsecondary education programs. This report addresses the major problems in statewide coordination. Internally, fragmented planning and policy implementation are considered, and externally, multiple voices and…

Problems faced by blacks in higher education in North Carolina are analyzed with focus on inadequate financial support for black colleges. It is suggested that factors affecting the status of black institutions are (1) the traditional state educational priorities, and (2) the history of political maneuvering that has resulted in a misguided…

The characteristics of California's Student Aid Commission grant program applicants and recipients were examined to assess the extent to which aid programs meet state goals. Attention is directed to major problems confronting the three Cal Grant programs and a range of possible policy and program options. The three programs are: Cal Grant A State…