Class-size reduction (CSR) has been a complex and contentious issue for the last quarter century. Although the small-class concept was adopted because it appealed to common sense, research over time has revealed a mix of confounding variables, instead of a definitive conclusion. Some CSR efforts, such as Tennessee's Project STAR and Wisconsin's…

Intended for use by education, health, and child care specialists, the manual describes the development of an interdisciplinary community-based screening program for infants and toddlers. Part I examines four basic planning considerations: needs assessment, personnel, instrumentation, and parents' needs. Part II focuses on aspects of program…

A discussion is provided of the ways in which audio teleconferencing can provide instruction to students in rural areas using the regular telephone network. After introductory material describes the benefits of audio teleconferencing (e.g., its low costs, familiar technology, and wide availability), a technical description of its operation is…

Identifies basic issues relevant to the development of dropout prevention programs. Considers (1) risk factors leading to dropout, (2) nine possible target groups for dropout intervention, and (3) four possible constraints (cost, burden, directions, and laws) that will influence the consideration and selection of new policies or programs. (IW)

This study established a cost-benefit analysis model for use by local school practitioners to assist in efforts to determine the economic outcomes of their vocational education programs. The model, the components of which were costs, process, and benefits, was established with the assistance of a panel of experts that included a local school…

This report presents the results of an evaluation of New York State's Division for Youth (DFY) rehabilitation programs, which range from secure facilities to residential homes. The goals of the evaluation were to assess the level of expenditures for facility operation and use, to determine the scope of programs and the extent to which they meet…

Discusses issues concerning the use of computers in school bus scheduling and routing. Examines the advantages, technical considerations, and costs of changing to a computerized system. Offers a five-point approach toward implementation and includes a table of comparative data for routing and scheduling models for a typical school bus fleet. (IW)

Discusses the development of a computer laboratory for sociology courses, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of incorporating computer technology into the classroom. Examines the proposal and proposal-review process. Provides tips for writing a successful proposal. (MJP)

The Electronic Telecommunications System project was conceived to assist in the integration of telecommunications technologies such as electronic mail into adult and vocational education programs. After identifying and evaluating over 20 vendors and electronic mail systems, the researchers selected the ITT Dialcom system as the subject of a three…

This guide is based on the principles and methods used at Rise, Incorporated, a sheltered workshop providing successful industry-integrated programs for handicapped persons. It is intended to serve as a model both for existing service providers who are interested in retooling their program in the direction of industrial work services and other…

Despite the potential of technology, it is clear that the benefits of computers, multimedia and telecommunications technology are not as widespread in schools as could be hoped. To ensure that all students and teachers have access to technology, the issue of comprehensive, statewide implementation must be addressed. This cost model for…

The way that planning tools can be used to evaluate the economic consequences of implementing new academic programs at Grambling State University (GSU) is considered. The focus is projecting cost behavior for planning and decision making. The following planning tools are examined: cost-volume-revenue analysis, cost behavior analysis and least…

Distance education is a current "catch-all" phrase for any form of instruction in which the learner is linked to an educational institution and is formally enrolled, but instruction does not necessarily have to be delivered to or from an official school site. Distance education can provide equity and increase the quality of educational…

Articulation is used to indicate curriculum linkage between two-year secondary vocational programs and two-year college technical programs. Articulation efforts widen the pipeline of students preparing for vocational-technical careers. All programs seek to eliminate duplication of training across educational levels. The primary goal is to meet…

Surveys listing 20 issues relating to school choice and special education were sent to the 102 Directors of Special Education in Minnesota. Directors were asked to rate issues as important or not important. The 54 responding directors identified the following issues as most important: (1) excess program costs; (2) effects of enrollment options on…