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)

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

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…

This research project represents an attempt to capitalize on the study opportunity provided by the simultaneous operation of seven teacher training programs by one institution and to cope with problems which normally have plagued teacher training program evaluation efforts: lack of validation of performance criteria, nonequivalence of trainees in…

Competency-based education involves the specification of instructional objectives such that the time spent by each student may vary, but achievement levels are held constant: it is the competency attained which is important. The 19 chapters in this volume present the experiences, views, and predictions of different educators with competency-based…

Containing articles recently published in issues of "Educational Technology" magazine, this volume in the review series centers on performance objectives in education. Topics covered in the articles include models for instructional objectives, behavioral objectives specification and uses, teacher roles and attitudes, educational accountability,…

A discussion of performance contracting, defined as an agreement between a group offering instruction and a school needing the services, is presented. Four major hazards to direct measurement of specific learning are considered: poor statement of objectives; selection of the wrong tests; misinterpretation of test scores; and depersonalization of…