Most school districts and charter schools are receiving significant, one-time revenues through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) grant program. The ESSER III Investment Decision Guide and its companion User and Resource Companion document (ED617067) are designed to guide decision makers…

Researchers from across the country have published at least 187 empirical studies on the effectiveness of private school choice programs. The "EdChoice Study Guide" is an annually updated guide to the available research on private school choice programs in America. In this guide, one can learn what the body of rigorous research says…

Researchers from across the country have published at least 175 empirical studies on the effectiveness of private school choice programs. For most, that's an overwhelming amount of literature to tackle. The EdChoice Study Guide is an annually updated guide to the available research on private school choice programs in America. In this guide, one…

The social sector's hottest "impact investing" product--the social impact bond (SIB)--has generated a range of reactions, from excitement to angst. An SIB uses private funds to pay for a social, educational, or health program, and the government repays investors (plus a return) only if the program achieves prespecified results. The…

The replication of proven social programs is a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve large-scale, positive social change. Yet there has been little guidance available about how to approach program replication and limited development of systems--at local, state or federal levels--to support replication efforts. "Laying a Solid Foundation:…

Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed…

Discusses three methods which trainers can use to justify the investment in training and reviews the literature to show both appropriate and inappropriate applications of these approaches. Return on investment, benefit-cost, and payback period methods are discussed and ranked according to management preference. Twelve references are listed. (MER)

A volunteer program's worth affects volunteers themselves, the leisure service agency, and the community. Four major activities which recognize volunteer worth are discussed--keeping good records, thanking volunteers and recognizing them formally, providing feedback to volunteers, and developing cost-effectiveness analysis. A cost-effectiveness…

This report re-evaluates evidence on the issue of age ranges served of handicapped children in Illinois schools, analyzes additional research on the issue, and estimates the cost that would be incurred if the current 3-21 year range were to be lowered to birth. A literature review addresses two broad areas: the identification and effectiveness of…

Educators must think clearly about how they want students' education to improve, what computers can do to help, how that assistance can be accomplished, and whether any of this is affordable. (Author/JM)

Successful school food service programs require cooperation between employees and students and between the director and individual managers. Student participation can be increased by the use of marketing techniques and listening to students' requests. (MLF)

To justify their programs, trainers should plan follow-up surveys of trainees and their supervisors which answer the questions, (1) How accurately did the training address the exact job requirements? (2) How successfully are trainees performing tasks learned? and (3) What unintended consequences have occurred? (SK)

This final article in a series on identification of cost/benefits data, formulation of models, and data collection discusses use of cost/benefits analysis results. The following issues are addressed: how to be prepared for study objections; how to increase understanding of your study; and viewing cost/benefit analysis as an iterative activity.…

This document describes total cost of ownership (TCO) as a useful tool in the effective planning of technology use in schools. TCO is an analysis of all the costs of computer technology in a school in comparison with the value derived from the current investment. It also includes an assessment of strategies that can be implemented to reduce costs.…

This booklet reports on a study of food service functions in Texas schools. The report contains examples taken from previous school reviews and is based on the state Comptroller's instruction that the best practices identified by the Texas School Performance Review team be communicated to all the state's school districts. Some examples present…