As the number of charter schools has grown nationally, there is increasing discussion of the consolidation of such schools into charter districts in which all schools would be charter schools from which parents would have the freedom to choose the school that they wished their student to attend. A major question is how such a charter school…

This article considers two issues regarding preschool education. First, it provides a brief set of arguments for government funding of universal, pre-school education. Second, it explores the applicability of a voucher plan using a regulated market approach for the funding of universal, pre-school education. Four criteria are used to assess the…

This paper calculates the public savings (financial benefits) from greater public investments in the education of African-American males. Over one-fifth of each age cohort of black males in US is not a high school graduate. We identify five interventions that would--based on credible research--increase the graduation rate; we also report the…

This paper estimates the effect of a state-imposed curriculum mandate on the academic achievement of US public school students. By 1998, 14 states across the US had mandates that high school students should take an economics course. For these states, the proportions of public schools students taking high school economics was around twice that of…

Reviews national interests in education and considers the effectiveness of different forms of federal grants in addressing those interests. Concludes that providing equalization aid is the only appropriate purpose for block grants since such grants do not encourage state and local agencies to concern themselves with national priorities. (PGD)

Explains overeducation as an economic phenomenon using several labor-market models. Establishes theoretically the effect of overeducation on production, using a production function model that characterizes production as a two-phase process. (PGD)

Analyzes the allocation of student time from the perspective of economic theory with an economic model that predicts a small increase in educational achievement relative to substantial increases in instructional time. Predictions are supported by empirical evidence. Policy consequences are examined. (MLF)

Estimates costs and cost feasibility of using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) or compensatory education on the elementary and secondary school levels for disadvantaged children. Data were collected from an experiment sponsored in Los Angeles schools by the National Institute of Education. Journal available from Ballinger Publishing Company, 17…

Experimental cost data based on 1977-78 federal funding showed schools could afford up to three daily 10-minute sessions per student of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in compensatory education. A more advanced CAI system yielded costs in the same range. Computer sharing between schools increased CAI costs per session. (Author/RW)

Edwin West's critique of the author's "Economics of Educational Choice" essay questions the wisdom of public financial support for schools, a challenge that Levin did not address. This rejoinder respectfully tackles West's assumptions concerning the costs of government versus private schooling and private education benefits for poor children. (17…

Education can improve productivity only if there are employment opportunities for more productive workers. Without complementary inputs, education cannot fulfill its advocates' promises. Test scores have never shown a strong connection with earnings or productivity. Japanese firms that establish manufacturing plants in the United States produce…

Considers both market choice and public choice mechanisms with respect to their efficiencies in producing social and private benefits. A market approach to education appears superior regarding private benefits, whereas the public choice appears superior regarding social benefits. Neither system is cost effective, although the market system yields…