This report describes briefly performance contracts; discusses their shortcomings, pitfalls, and advantages; and gives some insight into the future development of this new concept. Two shortcomings of performance contracting include (1) teaching to the test and (2) board abdication of its responsibility for making final decisions about educational…

Discusses the possible limits on the legal authority of a school to contract with private enterprise for instructional services. The proper procedure for entering into such a contract is discussed. (JF)

Describes reaction to an independent auditor's report that achievement gains made by students under a performance contract were invalid because the private firm responsible for the teaching was guilty of teaching to the test". (JF)

This is the rough draft of a learning contract between faculty and students in the spring 1975 Unified Studies Program at Boston State College. Examples are given of the staff contract with the students and of the student contract with the staff. Students contract to do diagnostic and evaluative work, attend workshops and Unified Studies seminars,…

In the Tamalpais High School District the performance requirements for the superintendent serve as the basis for the major performance requirements for his administrative staff. (Author)

Kalamazoo has demonstrated that a comprehensive, performance-based system of administrator evaluation and accountability can work wonders. (Author/WM)

The contract system where the student makes his own decision about the grade he desires and then works toward the achievement of that goal is examined. Five pass/fail assignments for a U.S. history course are suggested as possible student tasks. (DE)

Describes an introductory, college level speech course based on contract grading. Includes the requirements for the various grades, student reactions to contract grading, the grade contract, and a twelve item bibliography. (DD)

Author feels that if the system first provides the in-service training essential for familiarizing each teacher with the new program, and provides time for pilot programs, performance-based teaching may prove to be one of the big advancements of education in this century. (GB)

This document, part one of a report on performance contracting, explores its basic issues and considerations and is addressed to educational decisionmakers. The evolution of performance contracting is traced and the concept as it is currently being applied in education is discussed. The second part will analyze the outcomes of some programs when…