In response to demands for school accountability, states now devote much attention to distinguishing among effective and ineffective schools. These efforts, while varying considerably in rigor and sophistication, generally emphasize technical or allocative efficiency (e.g., the marginal productivity of measured inputs employed in various…

Examines status of the four major objectives of 1994 Michigan school-finance reform, two of which have been accomplished. Achieving educational adequacy, however, remains an illusive and challenging goal. (Contains 47 references.) (PKP)

A survey of one national and three statewide studies (in Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama) of class-size achievement effects revealed no consistent pattern across various subjects and grade levels. However, smaller classes can improve student achievement, particularly in early grades and when teacher quality remains constant. (Contains 36 footnotes.)…

In fashioning public school finance systems, states must balance competing values. Michigan's replacement of a general-aid formula and numerous categorical grant programs with a modified foundation formula constituted a substantial shift away from choice (local determination of spending level) and toward equality (smaller intradistrict spending…

Following adoption of a district power equalizing school aid formula intended to achieve equity in the distribution of general revenue, in per pupil expenditure, and in property taxes, significant progress was made toward attaining wealth neutrality that has subsequently been eroded by a depressed state economy. (MJL)

Discusses the conflicting goals of school finance reform--educational equity, equality, and excellence--and their effects on the district power equalizing (DPE) method of achieving school equity. Describes the experiences with DPE in California, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. (RW)

Regarding shortcomings in guaranteed tax base (GTB) school aid formulas, especially difficulties in measuring district fiscal capacity, the authors cite Michigan data to argue that inequities resulting from measurements using property wealth can be mitigated by property tax relief, intrastate cost differentials, and a unique aspect of Michigan's…