The academic success of historically and systematically excluded (HSE) students, including Black, Brown, Indigenous, low-income, multilingual learners, and students with learning differences, remains impacted by social position and identity factors. Despite numerous education reform efforts, equity in education continues to be a pressing challenge…

A cost-effective alternative to high utility bills for middle-sized and smaller utility users is the service of utility rate consultants. The consultants analyze utility invoices for the previous 12 months to locate available refunds or credits. (MLF)

Cost-based compensation--the cost to provide quality service with a reasonable profit--is preferred by many architects. This method of equitable compensation for the professional time and talent required to produce a quality product is also to the benefit of owners. (MLF)

This booklet examines the role of the professional governing board secretary and offers guidelines for carrying out this responsibility effectively. While a wide range of responsibilities of board secretaries is noted, the board secretary's basic responsibilities center on supporting the governing board's operations, ensuring that institutional…

Outlines a process to select a qualified independent auditor for school districts. References to New York State's laws and regulations are included. (MLF)

Information about consulting projects and consultants is provided to help college administrators. It is noted that colleges are increasingly asking consultants for help with such diverse projects as database design, collection of new information, or the development of evaluative procedures. The stages of a successful consulting project and the…

Outlines procedures to be used in hiring a construction management firm. Four exhibits are shown including an interview rating form and a qualification questionnaire. (MLF)

A discussion of the relationship between campus public relations professionals and media relations consultants looks at why consultants are used, the best ways to use a consultant, searching for an agency, establishing fees and parameters, and making the relationship succeed. (MSE)

A guide to consulting in higher education designed for consultants and college personnel interested in engaging consultants is provided. It is based on principles distilled from actual consultation experiences in college settings. In 1980, the Association of American Colleges (AAC) began a consulting service for member organizations (Project…

Energy engineers can help schools build complete energy conservation systems. These specialists (1) conduct thorough energy audits, (2) design and supervise retrofitting, (3) recommend and supervise preventive maintenance programs, (4) recommend computerized controls, and (5) monitor utility bills. This article includes description of a school…

The report analyzes roles of mental health professionals in implementing Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986, which established the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). A December, 1987, conference of administrators, clinicians, policymakers, and parent representatives from federal, state, and…

Because law firms' legal bills frequently are complex, clients often have a difficult time examining them. Management accountants should read the retention letter between the law firm and the school district and assess the reasonableness of professional fees. Costs that require particular attention include travel time, photocopying, secretarial…

This guidebook was developed for early childhood administrators and consultants who provide services to support the integration of children with disabilities into preschool classrooms. It provides practical information on finding and hiring the best consultants, unraveling the special education and third-party payor resources that support…

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) School Heads Advisory Committee has compiled this guide as a selected, annotated listing of professional organizations, leadership programs, and publications that have been found valuable by school heads in thinking about and carrying out their leadership roles. Each entry in the first two…

School boards and other educational governing bodies will be better served if they: (1) appoint their architects based on recommendations of a qualified review panel, and via a process that is specific, open, and accountable; and (2) employ, for special consultative assignments, architects and engineers who are totally independent. (Author/MLF)