This report discusses the implications of recent court decisions that invalidate local school finance systems on grounds of denial of equal protection. The author examines the school financing options available to Mississippi in the light of these recent State court decisions and in view of a forthcoming U. S. Supreme Court decision on the…

Iannaccone has suggested that four different types of linkages may be identified between a state's legislature and its organized educational profession: (1) locally based disparate in which legislators and schoolmen primarily represent just their individual school districts; (2) statewide monolithic in which schoolmen speak with one, powerful and…

This booklet is one of a series of reports addressing the most critical issues confronting state boards of education throughout the United States. Each report attempts to present a concise, informative review and analysis of the best and most current information available on one of these critical topics. This booklet focuses on state governance of…

The promotion of educational reform by Perren Baker and the members of his Education Department in Alberta, Canada, are discussed. The important task he undertook, the upgrading of the rural educational system of Alberta, was not immediately successful but his efforts paved the way for William Aberhart, who was able to reorganize rural school…

The authors focus on issues confronting state and local administrators in implementing PL94-142, specifically accountability, changes in roles and resource allocations, and the potential impact of the law on all public school programs. (MB)

Describes social trends that, since the 1960s, have spawned new forms and uses of standardized testing, including educational growth, shifts in the locus of school control, and politicization of education. Discusses the new state-mandated tests. Presents a set of propositions to guide understanding of the testing debate and controversy. (KH)

Provides a demographic and fiscal profile of New Jersey's schools and analyzes equity implications of minimum teacher salary legislation for poor school districts. Direct salary impacts should not destabilize local finances or create undue fiscal distress. Other states considering similar legislation should first examine their economic…

To help educators understand the Hawaiian system of school finance, this article reviews previous studies, describes the state government's role in the budgetary process, and discusses statewide funding impacts in comparison with other urban school districts and states having similar per capita income and student achievement ratings. Includes two…

Evaluates proposed changes in Illinois for bilingual education programs. Reports that the proposals are consistent with the federal policy of deregulation of education programs. Focuses on the implications of allowing service delivery systems to be locally determined. Presents recommendations for a local approach to assessing and satisfying…

The problems of tax limitations are illustrated by the effect of Proposition 13 on California's school systems. Changes in the tax structure caused the school system to cut summer programs; adult education; and special, small courses. This article discusses reasons behind this proposition and describes results. (DF)

A capital funding plan was introduced in Alberta in 1979 to more effectively control school construction and ensure that provincial priorities were being achieved. The formula includes factors to adjust for financial equity, district utilization of space, approved areas, and changes in construction costs. (MLF)

Most school consolidations have exercised a plan, but few have followed up with an evaluation. This report provides a history of consolidation in Ohio and a follow-up study of the last school consolidation to take place in Ohio in 1992. The study, conducted in 2000, included a survey of teachers, parents, and students to determine the success of…

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…

During the 1990's, education shifted from a primarily local function, to one of give-and-take system of finance between local and state governments. Revenue limits are imposed on school districts with the primary purposes of limiting property tax increases and increasing equity in school spending. In turn, the state has agreed to fund two-thirds…