Abstracts

"A Study of the Impact of Public School Spending on Postsecondary Educational Attainment Using Statewide School District Refinancing in Kansas." Economics of Education Review, June 2003, John Deke. This paper uses a policy change involving statewide school district refinancing in Kansas during the early 1990s to identify the relationship between per-pupil expenditure and the probability that a student will progress to higher education. Concludes that, using a conservative estimate, a 20 percent increase in spending raises the probability of going on to postsecondary education by approximately 5 percent. Reprints available while supply lasts; call 609-275-2350.

"SSI Enrollees' Health Care in TennCare." Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, May 2003, Steven C. Hill and Judith Wooldridge. How well does Tennessee's Medicaid managed care program meet the needs of blind or disabled SSI enrollees? People with disabilities have extensive health care needs and greater barriers to accessing care, so reducing their service use may decrease their health and independence. On the other hand, managed care may enhance care coordination. The authors conclude that SSI enrollees in TennCare had mixed experiences. Their access to care and satisfaction were similar to or slightly worse than that of other TennCare enrollees. A significant minority had unmet needs for care, and lack of care coordination was a problem for some. Reprints available while supply lasts; call 609-275-2350.

"Improving the Quality of Medicaid Personal Assistance Through Consumer Direction." Health Affairs Web Exclusive, March 2003, Leslie Foster, Randall Brown, Barbara Phillips, Jennifer Schore, and Barbara Carlson. This article presents the first impact analysis results from a three-state demonstration in which disabled Medicaid enrollees eligible for personal assistance services get a cash allowance rather than services so they can hire whom they please or use the money to buy equipment or supplies, instead of obtaining help through a home health agency. The results from the Arkansas program show that it greatly increases their satisfaction with the quality and reliability of care. The program also reduces unmet needs for assistance, preserves health and safety, and improves outlook on life. The findings from this random assignment design provide strong support for the many states considering Medicaid program modifications that promote increased consumer direction.

"Quality Child Care for Infants and Toddlers from Families with Low Incomes: Lessons Learned from Three Communities." Zero to Three, March 2003, Diane Paulsell, Renée Nogales, and Julie Cohen. Notes that state child care subsidies do not cover the cost of good quality care, and providers blend multiple funding streams to offer good care. Sustained and intensive technical assistance to providers was needed to improve quality, as well as investments in provider training and compensation.

"The Community Consolidated Child Care Pilot Services Program, El Paso County, Colorado." Zero to Three, March 2003, Diane Paulsell and Renée Nogales. Examines a program designed to provide a seamless system of full-day, full-year, high-quality care and education to children from low-income families. Notes that streamlining reimbursements to family child care providers expanded capacity for infants and toddlers. Simplifying application and eligibility redetermination procedures helped parents.

"Kansas and Missouri Early Head Start Programs: Kansas City, Kansas, and Sedalia, Missouri." Zero to Three, March 2003, Diane Paulsell and Renée Nogales. Looks at two state-sponsored initiatives that supply most child development services through partnerships with community child care providers who follow Early Head Start performance standards. Notes that providers receive higher reimbursements as a result, as well as bonuses, equipment and supplies, training, and materials.

"Mountain Area Child and Family Centers, Buncombe County, North Carolina." Zero to Three, March 2003, Diane Paulsell and Renée Nogales. Details a grass-roots effort to develop a high-quality child care center for children from birth to age 5 in a rural area. Notes that retirees can help mobilize resources and build support for this type of effort, and a community college partner can help maintain a training focus. 

"Parent Perspectives." Zero to Three, March 2003, Diane Paulsell and Renée Nogales. Reports on focus groups conducted with low-income parents to determine their experiences in finding and using infant/toddler child care. Notes that their chief concerns relate to inadequate supply, high cost, and inadequate quality of affordable care, although they feel caregivers' wages should be increased.


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