Author: Helen F. Ladd

Publisher: Joseph Henry Press

Published: 1999-11-30

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13:

This book argues that better management of money is more important than in the past if the nation is to raise the achievement of all students. Chapter 1, "Introduction," describes the book's origins and objectives. Chapter 2, "Setting the Stage," offers the goals of facilitating cost-efficient levels of achievement for all, breaking the link between background and achievement, and raising revenues fairly. Chapter 3, "Equity I," assess the meaning and nature of equity issues in educational finance, including efforts through litigation and legislative reforms. Chapter 4, "Equity II," considers the technical and conceptual challenges of educational adequacy. Chapter 5, "Improving the Productivity of Schools," explores productivity definitions and measurements. Chapter 6, "Achieving Goal 1: Promoting Higher Achievement in a Cost-Efficient Way," describes the use of incentives that empower schools and encourage cost-efficient improvements in achievement; reviews site-based management, charter schools, contracting with private firms; and concludes with an assessment of the empirical evidence supporting choice. Chapter 7, "Achieving Goal 2: Breaking the Nexus," explains the connection between funding inequities and poor achievement, stressing the role of technology, school-community linkages, and potential of vouchers. Chapter 8, "Achieving Goal 3: Raising Revenue Fairly and Efficiently," assesses the fairness of property taxes, and evaluates suggested alternatives. Chapter 9, "Conclusion," stresses the importance of balancing values to achieve educational finance equity, adequacy, and fairness. (Contains 38 pages of endnotes.) (TEJ)