Although schooling in Australia has been traditionally the responsibility of the states, increased specific grant funding, based on fiscal performance equalization, has led to a more active role for the Australian federal government in influencing education outcomes. A possible consequence is a loss in diversity of the educational system.(TE)

Proposes a social child-support program based on taxes on earnings (deductions from wages) of absent parent rather than voluntary or court-determined payments enforced by law. Summarizes principal benefits of such a system and notes that proposed system is being tried out in several Wisconsin counties now. (CJM)

Despite the mantra that education is primarily a state responsibility, the federal government is an important and influential player when it comes to providing higher education to the nation's students. The federal government invests roughly $25 billion annually in higher education excluding loans that are ultimately repaid, military benefits that…

Although all public schools could be eligible for federal funds under Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) programs, concerns have been raised about whether charter schools are receiving an equitable share of these federal funds. This report describes: (1) how federal Title I and IDEA funds are…

This report proposes establishing sufficient technological capability within New Jersey's K-12 classrooms and public libraries in response to the universal service mandate of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Sections cover: (1) Goals; (2) Networked Education and Life-Long Learning Model for New Jersey Schools and Libraries, Technology…

This fact sheet presents a case for public funding of after-school programs for children and youth. The fact sheet begins by describing the risks to which children and youth are exposed and the variety of ways in which children and youth spend time after school. The benefits of participating in after-school programming for children and youth…

This report contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year 1998. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (STLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative effort between the Chief Offices of State Library Agencies, the United States National Commission on Libraries and…

This report provides contextual background for the Missouri Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education, which was established in 1998 to engage students, parents, business, higher education, and public policy leaders in a systematic dialogue aimed at ensuring that an affordable college education stays within reach of Missouri citizens.…

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant has great potential for funding out-of-school time and community school initiatives. While the flexibility that states have in allocating TANF funds presents significant opportunity for innovation, it also presents a dizzying array of policy options. This strategy brief presents…

Predictions about shifting support levels of local, State, and Federal governments. (Author)

Traces economic milieu for higher education investments from the reconstruction period through the "Brown" era to the retrenchment era of the 1980's; describes federal, state, and institutional investment strategies and investment rates; and considers ways to aid in augmenting social and private returns to institutional higher education…

The consequences of Australia's public finance of private education are relevant to United States policy issues: the effect of private school aid on public and private enrollment, the impact of aid on financial support for public schools, the impact of aid on the character of public and private schools. (PB)

Discusses the Office of Management and Budget's recent requirement that all state and local governments receiving federal grants undergo a single audit (a comprehensive financial and compliance audit conducted by one audit firm or organization) at least once every two years in conjunction with an appropriate federal or state agency. (JBM)

Economic and demographic changes are dramatically increasing the need for adult education, basic literacy, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Millions of Illinois residents lack the level of literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs, perform well on the job, and function well in an increasingly complex society. Addressing the scope…