Presents an interview with the utilities manager of Eastern Illinois University outlining key components of the school's energy-saving strategy, including its performance contracting. (EV)

This last article in a series of seven describes the outcome of attempts to implement performance contracting in an innovative school district in Colorado. In reviewing the series, the author concludes that although many of the innovations discussed did not survive, the schools were none the worse for their experimentation. (WD)

Adult educators can prepare learners for self-direction by considering the learners' level of technical skill, familiarity with the subject matter, sense of personal competence as learners, and the context of learning. (SK)

A flexible, point contract system is described which maximizes the advantages of a criterion-referenced contract system while eliminating some of the disadvantages of standard grade contracts. This model has been used by the author in a variety of high school and college courses. (Author/SJL)

The economic concept of productivity may not be appropriate for contract-making for educational management. (LD)

Offers advice on what to look for in a voicemail system, how to evaluate bid proposals, what to include in a contract, and how to work with voicemail vendors. Discusses accountability questions and technological pitfalls, urges buyers to see the system "up and working," and suggests what not to expect of voicemail. (MAB)

A learning contract provides a plan of action for one's objectives in attending a conference and selection of appropriate activities. Fine tuning involves reviewing objectives, deciding whether to stay in a session, and later evaluating the usefulness of the conference experience. (SK)

At the higher education level, some educators saw individualization of the college curriculum as a means for personal development and a method for empowering the students and the faculty. Notions of adult education appeared to reinforce the strong movement to individualize the college curriculum. The development of contract learning pulled…

Traces the evolution of a radical educational experiment, the Dalton Plan, in suburban Scarsdale, New York in the 1920s. The plan consisted of individualized instruction by contract. Although many problems had to be worked out, student scores and college achievement were excellent. (KC)

Areas discussed in selecting an outside designer include: how to find the right designer; dealing with a purchasing agent; the differences between studio and free-lance designers; how much freedom a designer should have; how to deal with the designer; and what advice designers can give. (LC)

Suggestions for selecting a professional photographer for collegiate publications are given: develop a shooting script that defines your needs; select the photographer skilled in a defined area; negotiate fees carefully; work with the photographer; and be present shooting day to oversee activities. (Author/LC)

Adolescents struggle with many types of conflicts in their lives. They must define relationships with friends, teachers, parents, and themselves. Disagreements will arise, and without the proper training, many teens are left feeling angry, confused, or depressed. Teaching middle school students to deal with conflict productively at an early age…

The paper discusses the expansion of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) to include home and community-based training activities by active two-party service contracting with handicapped students. Specific topics include a justification of homework, current status of the IEP process, current instructional problems, the viability of homework as a…

A humorous account is given of an imaginary negotiation between teacher and students about a learning contract. (PBS)

Presents interview with behavioral ecologist who discusses program concepts for stepfamily dysfunction. Four predictions which focus on stepfamily dynamics are: (1) expect greater conflict in stepfamily environments; (2) understand evolutionary basis of emotions; (3) anticipate flash points of family conflict; and (4) alter criteria for choosing…