Reaction to "Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan." Working Paper #17 by David Arsen. Working Paper #18

Reaction to Author: Sharif M. Shakrani
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 4

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Book Description
The author's "School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties" study was published in August, 2010 by The Education Policy Center at Michigan State University. It was intended to measure the financial impact of consolidation of schools at the county level akin to other states like Virginia, Florida and Maryland. The study was recently critiqued by his colleague at Michigan State University, Dr. David Arsen in a paper entitled, "Observation on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan" (January, 2011). Professor Arsen concludes that the most striking feature of the study is its assumption that the rate of saving would be the same for every district. A careful reading of the paper would clearly indicate this is not the case. The author specifically states that the estimated saving percentage "may not apply equally to all size districts." The average numbers may over-estimate the saving for school districts with 10,000 or more students and under-estimate the savings for districts with 1,500 or less students. The linear straight line regression equation is intended as an overall estimate for the 10 counties studied, and by its mathematical traits will over estimate for some districts and under estimate for others. There are virtually no comprehensive and scientifically designed research studies on the financial impact of consolidation at the county level. Most of the studies deal with the specific consolidation of few districts in rural areas, so it is not possible to judge which estimates are accurate and which are not. In most cases judgments are made based on emotions by proponents, or opponents, of school consolidation. [For the report, "Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #17," see ED537161.].

Reaction to "Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan." Working Paper #17 by David Arsen. Working Paper #18

Reaction to Author: Sharif M. Shakrani
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 4

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Book Description
The author's "School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties" study was published in August, 2010 by The Education Policy Center at Michigan State University. It was intended to measure the financial impact of consolidation of schools at the county level akin to other states like Virginia, Florida and Maryland. The study was recently critiqued by his colleague at Michigan State University, Dr. David Arsen in a paper entitled, "Observation on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan" (January, 2011). Professor Arsen concludes that the most striking feature of the study is its assumption that the rate of saving would be the same for every district. A careful reading of the paper would clearly indicate this is not the case. The author specifically states that the estimated saving percentage "may not apply equally to all size districts." The average numbers may over-estimate the saving for school districts with 10,000 or more students and under-estimate the savings for districts with 1,500 or less students. The linear straight line regression equation is intended as an overall estimate for the 10 counties studied, and by its mathematical traits will over estimate for some districts and under estimate for others. There are virtually no comprehensive and scientifically designed research studies on the financial impact of consolidation at the county level. Most of the studies deal with the specific consolidation of few districts in rural areas, so it is not possible to judge which estimates are accurate and which are not. In most cases judgments are made based on emotions by proponents, or opponents, of school consolidation. [For the report, "Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #17," see ED537161.].

Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #17

Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #17 PDF Author: David Arsen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 14

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Book Description
School district consolidation enjoys a unique status among strategies to reduce education costs. It promises to cut spending, without lowering service quality, by improving the efficiency of service delivery. In contrast to strategies aimed at lowering employee salaries or benefits--which are hard to avoid when cutting spending in any labor intensive service--consolidation's savings are often presented as essentially free, with no obvious losers. School district consolidation is not new. Indeed Michigan (and the United States) experienced a great wave of school consolidation after World War II. In fact, the number of school districts fell by about 85 percent between 1940 and 1970; the pace of consolidation has since slowed considerably. In this paper, the author offers some observations intended to inform the discussion of school consolidation in Michigan. He will start by reviewing the very limited evidence on the magnitude of potential consolidation savings in Michigan. Next, he will suggest factors that policymakers ought to consider when assessing whether consolidation is appropriate. He will argue that, while there are untapped consolidation savings, the magnitude of those savings is surely smaller than commonly imagined and some are concentrated in unexpected places. Finally, he will turn from economic to political considerations and ask who should decide where consolidation takes place. (Contains 16 footnotes.) [For its related report, "Reaction to "Observations on School District and Service Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #17". Working Paper #18," see ED537162.].

Reflections on School District Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #16

Reflections on School District Consolidation in Michigan. Working Paper #16 PDF Author: Charles L. Ballard
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 7

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Book Description
In recent years, Michigan has seen a great deal of discussion of consolidation of school districts. In this brief essay, the author hopes to make clear that it is "impossible" to come to a definitive, airtight conclusion that is beyond controversy. School district consolidation, like so many other issues of public policy, is "inherently" controversial. This is because the decision of whether to consolidate does not rest solely on dispassionate analysis of data. Inevitably, the decision must also be based on values. In discussions of consolidation, the most frequently cited benefit is the reduction in expenditure that might occur when two or more districts are merged. The costs of consolidation that are cited most often are the loss of local control of education, and possibly the loss of institutions that have helped to shape the identity of the local community. This description of the salient benefits and costs has been very brief. Nevertheless, it raises a host of questions. Perhaps the biggest of these questions is how to value local control and local identity. Clearly, the answer will depend on the values of the person who is making the evaluation. The author will provide some thoughts, based on his own values. But once again the author must emphasize that other people, with other values, could reach different conclusions. (Contains 5 footnotes.).

School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties: Is District Consolidation Cost Effective?

School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties: Is District Consolidation Cost Effective? PDF Author: Sharif M. Shakrani
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
As Duncomb and Yinger (2001) have stated, "School consolidation represents the most dramatic change in education governance and management in the United States in the twentieth century. Over 100,000 school districts have been eliminated through consolidation since 1938, a drop of almost 90 percent (NCES 1999, Table 90). This longstanding trend continues throughout the country, largely because consolidation is widely regarded as a way for school districts to cut costs" (p. 1). The study described in the present paper applies Duncomb and Yinger's methods to Michigan data, looking as possible to financial consequences of consolidation of school districts at the county level. Research data sets for 10 counties in Michigan are used to estimate cost-saving effects of consolidation, as in the Duncombe and Yinger study. It appears that significant savings can be achieved in consolidating school districts at the county level. The coordination of services also produces cost savings for the districts assuming participation in a county level (ISD) coordination of services. These findings are consistent with other research studies in New York and Indiana. However, consolidation studies conducted in Arizona and New Jersey indicated that the fiscal savings hoped for did not materialize to the extent expected. Overall, consolidation seems to make fiscal sense, particularly in rural and small districts. The coordination of services seems more palatable to Michigan communities and also produces significant reduction in cost of services such as transportation and operation. The results of this study should be of interest to state and local elected officials, to state education agency staff, and to public school administrators. The Future of School Districts Consolidation in Michigan is provided in an addendum. (Contains 1 footnote.) [This study was funded by the Booth Newspapers of Michigan.].

Michigan's Education Achievement Authority and the Future of Public Education in Detroit

Michigan's Education Achievement Authority and the Future of Public Education in Detroit PDF Author: Mary L. Mason
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 91

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Book Description
As the City of Detroit emerges from municipal bankruptcy, the imperative for school improvement takes on an urgency rarely witnessed in a U.S. city. If the city is to experience the redevelopment boom that many now anticipate, its public schools must improve. While a variety of different reform strategies are possible, the establishment of a portfolio district in Detroit currently appears to have the greatest political salience. This report is primarily devoted to a detailed analysis of Michigan's Education Achievement Authority (EAA) which was established in 2011 to turn around the state's lowest-performing schools, starting in Detroit. An understanding of the EAA is essential for informed discussion of a Detroit portfolio district for two key reasons. First, portions of Excellent Schools Detroit's plan for a portfolio district were included in the EAA's original design, but they were not effectively implemented. Second, like the EAA, a new administrative authority for a Detroit portfolio district would face basic administrative challenges related to its financial and human resources, oversight of teaching and learning, and public accountability for its operations. It would be unfortunate if policy makers and designers failed to take full measure of the lessons learned from the EAA's experience. The EAA failed to reach its objectives because the policy was hastily and poorly designed. In this report we seek to shift the debate about the EAA from the ideologically polarized question of whether the system is "good" or "bad" to the more fruitful question of how to align policy design with worthy policy goals. This report was written first and foremost for the citizens of Detroit to explain features of state policy so that they may participate effectively in efforts to shape their local public schools. It was also written, however, for citizens of good will throughout Michigan who understand that their own public schools are now powerfully shaped by policy decisions in Lansing, who regret the divisions that have isolated Detroiters for too long, and who will support policies for the children of Detroit that they themselves would want for their own children. This is not simply an ethical issue because, with well-designed policies, the children and grandchildren of residents across Michigan may someday have a choice to live in racially and socially diverse Detroit neighborhoods anchored by excellent public schools. The following are appended: (1) Purpose of the EAA; (2) Powers of the EAA; (3) Implementing the EAS in Detroit; (4) Planned Expansion of the EAA; and (5) Appointment of New EAA Chancellor.

Families Caring for an Aging America

Families Caring for an Aging America PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309448093
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 367

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Book Description
Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.

Detroit and the Property Tax

Detroit and the Property Tax PDF Author: Gary Sands
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781558443419
Category : Real property tax
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This report outlines the problems underlying the erosion of Detroit's property tax base--a factor that contributed to the city's bankruptcy in 2013. It offers recommendations for reform at the local and state level, as well as insight and analysis to help policy makers across the country protect their communities from economic decline.

The Rise and Fall of an Urban School System

The Rise and Fall of an Urban School System PDF Author: Jeffrey Mirel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 506

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Book Description
The updated edition of a highly-regarded work in educational studies.

The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society

The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society PDF Author: United States. President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Crime
Languages : en
Pages : 368

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Book Description
This report of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice -- established by President Lyndon Johnson on July 23, 1965 -- addresses the causes of crime and delinquency and recommends how to prevent crime and delinquency and improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice. In developing its findings and recommendations, the Commission held three national conferences, conducted five national surveys, held hundreds of meetings, and interviewed tens of thousands of individuals. Separate chapters of this report discuss crime in America, juvenile delinquency, the police, the courts, corrections, organized crime, narcotics and drug abuse, drunkenness offenses, gun control, science and technology, and research as an instrument for reform. Significant data were generated by the Commission's National Survey of Criminal Victims, the first of its kind conducted on such a scope. The survey found that not only do Americans experience far more crime than they report to the police, but they talk about crime and the reports of crime engender such fear among citizens that the basic quality of life of many Americans has eroded. The core conclusion of the Commission, however, is that a significant reduction in crime can be achieved if the Commission's recommendations (some 200) are implemented. The recommendations call for a cooperative attack on crime by the Federal Government, the States, the counties, the cities, civic organizations, religious institutions, business groups, and individual citizens. They propose basic changes in the operations of police, schools, prosecutors, employment agencies, defenders, social workers, prisons, housing authorities, and probation and parole officers.

Regime Change and Ethnic Politics in Indonesia

Regime Change and Ethnic Politics in Indonesia PDF Author: Taufiq Tanasaldy
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004253483
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 416

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Book Description
When the Indonesian New Order regime fell in 1998, regional politics with strong ethnic content emerged across the country. In West Kalimantan the predominant feature was particularly that of the Dayaks. This surge, however, was not unprecedented. After centuries of occupying a subordinate place in the political and social hierarchy under the nominal rule of the Malay sultanates, Dayaks became involved in an enthusiastic political emancipation movement from 1945. The Dayaks secured the governorship as well as the majority of the regional executive head positions before they were shunned by the New Order regime. This book examines the development of Dayak politics in West Kalimantan from the colonial times until the first decade of the 21th century. It asks how and why Dayak politics has experienced drastic changes since 1945. It will look at the effect of regime change, the role of the individual leaders and organizations, the experience of marginalization, and conflicts on the course of Dayaks politics. It will also examine ethnic relations and recent political development up to 2010 in the province.