First discusses the actual prospects for school finance following from Serrano v. Priest'' and subsequent court decisions, and then suggests how such reform may possibly help to bring about important changes in the hierarchy of jobs and the distribution of income. (Author/JM)

Warns that the recent California decision on state school support may not improve financial problems of urban schools. (JF)

This study investigated the significance of viewing the authority to evaluate as an indicator of the exercise of financial control. Financial control in this investigation focuses exclusively on state financial legislation. Evaluation authority in this investigation focuses exclusively on evaluation components of such legislation. (BW)

Staff development or inservice education has received increased emphasis in recent times as a result of: (1) a decline in staff mobility; (2) a sense of accountability; and (3) changes in societal expectations. The federal view is to deemphasize staff development as a federal priority. Several state inservice programs are described, and state…

Discusses a study conducted by the Brookings Institution to examine community college funding patterns used in various states. Outlines findings concerning the efficiency of state funding models and examines selected study recommendations in light of optimistic and pessimistic scenarios concerning enrollment, political support, and the economy.…

Capsulizes the findings of an exploratory study undertaken to analyze the relationship between state or local control and community services in the community college. Contends that further research is needed to refine definitions of community service and adequately assess the effects of local or state control upon community programs. (CAM)

Examines the choices facing Oregon's community colleges in light of approaching educational retrenchment. Proposes that through reaching the non-traditional student, the dream of an "educated nation" can be achieved. Advocates the creation of new definitions for students, learning, teaching, and education. Supports locally governed…

Displays findings from a fall 2002 survey of all states to determine how they were progressing in meeting No Child Left Behind Act's list of requirements. Generally, states and local districts are stronger developing accountability systems but a significant gap remains between the federal law's demands and the capacity to meet them. (Author/MLF)

The School Building Authority (SBA) of West Virginia is responsible for evaluating the state's school buildings, selecting capital outlay projects, and helping fund renovation and new building projects. The SBA has strict guidelines and criteria to help the state's 55 counties evaluate the condition of their school buildings. (MLF)

Teams of seasoned teachers and administrators were assigned to a group of low-performing North Carolina schools each year to work with the local faculty to help turn around these schools. Provides a description of the assistance teams, how they were developed, and how they work. (Author/MLF)

The latest manifestation of the decentralization trend is a push to redefine state education agencies' duties. Kentucky, Virginia, and other states are turning toward a helping rather than a regulating role. Bureaucracies are being dissolved, reorganized, or compressed to help districts struggle with local restructuring efforts. Numerous examples…

Examines the role that state departments of education in California, Florida, Maryland, and Washington play with local school districts in planning, designing, constructing, and/or operation and management of educational facilities. (MLF)

The editor of this issue provides a thematic summary that lists the basic themes of the essays included. The goal of the issue is to evaluate the potential of the educational reform movement for creating social change. (TE)

School boards epitomize the U.S. tradition of representative local government. A 1992 National School Boards Association statement recognizes four major school board functions: envisioning a community's future educational program, establishing facilitative organizational structures and community environments, ensuring performance assessment…

Reviews the history of Pennsylvania's higher education system since 1755. States that the Community College Act of 1963 imposed a funding system that has proved both inadequate and difficult to change and has discouraged the formation of new colleges. Discusses the current state of community college sponsorship, enrollment, funding, and outcomes,…