This article describes the potential for using K-12 education data to support school improvement efforts and the effective and efficient use of education resources. It examines the availability and transparency of education data in California as part of the "Getting Down to Facts" effort to improve education decision making in that…

Using North Dakota as an example, this article focuses upon the misuse of statistical information by those who for political reasons wish to distort data and maintains, that educators are best equipped to handle educational data. (JC)

The research project described in this article attempted to determine the activities of the legally trained, the use to which they put their legal skills, and their views of the utility of various aspects of their legal training. Questionnaire data were received from 1,600 graduates of law schools at Boston College, George Washington, Michigan,…

Current formula funding practices in the South and implications for the future are analyzed. Formula funding systems are used in 12 of the 14 states belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Changes that have occurred in the formulas of each state since 1973-74 are described. Data from 1977-78 academic year are compared to the…

On one side of this controversy is the belief that goals should be established and funds distributed by qualified practicing scientists; on the other, that basic science should be accountable to the legislature and electorate. This dilemma is discussed in terms of agricultural and biomedical research. (LBH)

Based on enrollment projections for the 14 southern states, this profile provides one possible picture of the future of higher education in the South. The report suggests that: (1) the growth of total enrollment will slow and then decline through 1985; (2) nondegree enrollment will increase and bachelor's degree-oriented enrollment will decrease…

The State University of New York's (SUNY) Budget System and the Course and Section Analysis (CASA) System, which were developed to ensure accountability at the campus level, are described. Problem areas and resulting inaccurate and potentially misleading information are examined for the 12 state university colleges. The Budget System and CASA…

This final report of the Montana Commission on Post Secondary Education discusses information and projections relevant to present and future needs, resources, and the economic and social trends relating to the future of postsecondary education. The 11 chapters of the report are: 1. New Times, New Conditions, New Choices; 2. Goals; 3. Educational…

In 1976 a questionnaire designed to gather information about methods to determine the allocation of staff within tertiary institutions in Australia was mailed to universities and colleges. The results are discussed including methods of allocation, student-load/staff ratios, staff contact hours, and sabbatical and study leave provisions. (MLW)

First-year veterinary medicine students were surveyed during the first and last week of class to determine if student ratings of instructors are free of bias from generalized attitudes. The tabulated results indicate that the students were not biased by preconceived opinions of instructors. (BH)

This 1991-92 report for correctional education in Canada provides analysis as well as statistical information for education programs provided during the fiscal year. A national overview contains data dealing with effectiveness based on participation, efficiency based on student/teacher ratio, and efficiency based on cost per full-time equivalent…

Factors related to the contextual aspects of educational administrators' information needs were studied in a statewide survey of 199 administrators of adult and community education programs. Attention was directed to: varying preferences for different information sources, the effects of different decision or program development tasks on…

This two-volume report examines the planning needed in order that Iowa's higher education system can keep pace with, as well as anticipate, the state's future societal changes and educational needs. The report opens with a review of where Iowa and its education system now stand and looks at the expected shape of the state's economic and social…

Some critical questions provide a basis for developing policies appropriate in a given state. They include: (1) What is the state interest in independent higher education? (2) How should independent sector interests and participation be included in statewide planning for postsecondary education? (3) Should state support be extended to independent…

One critical aspect of costing system methodologies is examined: the effects of average costing by course level on program unit cost. The direct costing methodologies used in two costing systems are compared. One is the internally developed Purdue University Cost Study; the other, the NCHEMS Costing and Data Management System. The comparison…