Provides a practical example of how to demonstrate the library as a cost-saving center, through evidence of financial savings on books and periodicals, facilitating a way to communicate that the net cost of the library is small. (Author/JKP)

Optimizing the use of resources for teacher development is a hardy perennial facing school and district administrators. This paper outlines a three-step process to assess the desirability and feasibility of proposed inservice education projects. The process involves establishing worth based on expressed interest; projecting likelihood of success…

The agendas of active learning, technology, and restructuring--each a powerful vehicle for changing learning and teaching in schools--must be pursued concurrently to be maximally effective. Creating new technology schools and initiating technology projects in restructuring districts are two approaches that can transform schooling's image and…

Discusses the development of an algorithm for an equitable distribution of state prevention funds to its substate jurisdiction based on the need for prevention services. Suggests that the final decision on the level of funding must be based on the selection of the schedule for resource allocation rather than the suggested amount or level of…

Examines the experiences of New York State school districts that increased student participation between 1992 and 1996 in a statewide testing program. Increased participation rates were associated with modest declines in the percentage of passing students, unchanged dropout rates, similar spending patterns, and increased staffing levels. (MLH)

Discusses the history of the reference reform movement that began with an article that described what was wrong with reference. Highlights include the use of technology; remote access; tiered service; appointment-based reference service; alternative staffing patterns; and providing adequate resources to enhance reference service. (LRW)

Focuses on dealing with budget cuts in higher education. The article argues that the best way to make cuts is to involve everyone in developing a budget plan that supports the institutional priorities. (CK)

Ideas for managing the college or university fund-raising budget include evaluating the current budget for effectiveness and adding to the budget through such means as billing for services, borrowing from current funds, using early interest on gifts, "taxing" incoming gifts, raiding a discretionary account, using a windfall, using early gifts, and…

Describes a methodology used by the Texas A&M University system to monitor the efficiency with which resources are employed. This participatory method of institutional choice can be used to plan for financial setbacks. (EV)

Identifies various roles of a college or university's endowment fund, such as serving as a rainy day fund, funding one-time capital requirements, and enhancing program quality. Considers implications of various roles for asset allocation and endowment spending. (DB)

Summarizes fiscal year 2000 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Education, noting especially the 34 percent increase in support for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. A chart compares figures for fiscal 1999, the President's request, House committee approval, Senate approval, and inclusion in the final bill for programs…

Understanding how money is spent to educate children and support families in local communities can help improve community decision making about public resources. This article reports on a process used in Los Angeles to derive estimates of total public expenditures on services for children and families in the community around the University of…

Student affairs practitioners must reconceptualize traditional support services in order to use the resources allocated to them more effectively, meet the needs of today's students, and increase their value to community colleges. This chapter identifies student affairs programs that are vital to the community college's mission, describes best…

The demand for professional development for integrating technology is growing. According to the MDR report The Impact of No Child Left Behind, when leaders were asked about the areas in which they feel their teachers need the most training over the next year or two, technology integration came in fourth behind "assessment," "dealing…

The article is based on a longitudinal qualitative study carried out by the author on children and their families in two areas of Belgrade (Serbia) in 1993-4 and 2000. Its goal is to provide an insight into how everyday life is structured and constructed for children by their family habitus. There are significant distinctions in how families from…