Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

7-21-1975

Abstract

The primary objectives of this study were: (1) to adapt selected dimensions of the National Educational Finance Project’s computer-based simulation model to Sergipe, Brazil; and (2) to simulate the effects of seven alternative sets of program and fiscal decisions using Sergipe data for 1973.

The National Educational Finance Project (NEFP) simulation model is a computer program designed to simulate the effects of alternative decisions concerning the funding of public elementary and secondary schools in a prototype state. The original program contains actual educational, economic and demographic data for 32 school districts in the United States which have been selected as being representative of the nation’s public school districts. The NEFP model has two main files called M FILE and D FILE. The M FILE is divided into two files: a B FILE which contains arrays where the base data for the districts are stored, such as population and program enrollments; and a C FILE where calculations done by the program are stored and can be accessed. The D FILE contains input decisions comprising programs, resource distribution, and revenue which can be used in varied combinations to form funding patters (formulas) to be simulated by the model. The interaction between the D FILE and the M FILE is accomplished through the utilization of mathematical equations stored in three additional files calles LSTATE, SSTATE, and STATE.

Adaptation of the NEFP model to Sergipe encompassed changes in several files. Changes in the B FILE and C FILE included deletion of arrays such as special education enrollment and addition of new arrays such as teacher training enrollment. Changes in the D FILE encompassed program, distribution, and revenue decisions. Examples of those changes are: deletion of the decision to use average daily attendance (ADA) for determining program cost and substitution of the value-added tax used in Brazil for the sales and gross receipts tax used in the NEFP model. Mathematical equations were written to do the necessary calculations in the model and were stored in the STATE file which was dummied (blank) in the original model. These equations were written to cover all the input decisions contained in the Sergipe D FILE.

The data necessary for the simulation model were identified and collected in Sergipe, Brazil and later programmed into the adapted computer simulation model. Cost indices for Sergipe were computed based on 1973 data, and then selected for simulation purposes. Cost indices selected for the educational programs were: kindergarten (4.64), basic 1-4 (1.0), basic 5-11 (2.01), business education (1.71), and teacher training (4.02). The simulations of seven selected funding patterns were analyzed with regard to total program cost for the state and deviations from full equalization reported. Actual educational distributions to the school districts in Sergipe in 1973 were also analyzed. Cost per pupil and deviations from full equalization were computed to provide a measure of equity for the funding method used that year. That distribution was determined to be very inequitable. Deviation from full equalization reached a range of 135, suggesting that some districts were being overfunded and others were being underfunded in such a manner that the variation between the extremes was 135 percent of calculated need.

The simulations of seven different funding patterns are illustrative of the Sergipe computer simulation model capability and of its potential usefulness to Sergipe administrators and legislators. The model can also serve instructional purposes for in-service training at the Sergipe Secretariat of Education and/or for training of Educational Administration students at the Federal University of Sergipe.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

James Allen Hale

Second Committee Member

Ronald Eugene Blood

Third Committee Member

Richard Lee Holemon

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