Conclusions reached after three years of performance contracting experience and materials with which to judge the validity of the conclusions are presented in this overview of performance contracting. The conclusions are: (1) commercial firms are no better at teaching children than are public schools; (2) commercial firms expend as much or more…

This document contains papers and transcripts from a university faculty colloquium which shared views about teaching methods and information on successful approaches. Following a copy of the colloquium announcement and a brief introduction, the main section presents transcripts of the presentations. The first discusses the structure and role of…

Studied contract grading, which emphasizes greater investment of time and effort by student and instructor, but provides benefits to students difficult to develop through conventional methods. Desirable student outcomes are examined and a sample contract is included. (Author/JAC)

This volume presents conclusions and implications derived from five cities' experience with performance contracting in education: Norfolk, Virginia; Texarkana, Arkansas (with Liberty-Eylau, Texas); Gary, Indiana, Gilroy, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The five case studies cover eight programs in 15 schools. While each study is treated in…

The adaptation and use of Programmed Instruction (PI) in adult basic education (ABE) are focused upon. Objectives of this paper are to cite evidence that PI is being used successfully in correctional institutions, to suggest reasons for this success, and to show that PI works best in the context of a broader learning system where individually…

Changes in instructional methods and evaluative criteria in the University of Delaware's baccalaureate degree medical technology curriculum include contract courses with stated behavioral objectives. (MW)

In order to encourage instructors interested in collaborative classroom approaches, the College of Continuing Education at the University of Rhode Island sponsored a series of workshops and informal discussions. A telephone survey of faculty was undertaken to learn the ways they were using collaborative approaches in their courses. (MLW)

This report is distilled from Rand's findings in previously reported research and from new research. It is addressed to school board members, administrators, and other educational decisionmakers who may be contemplating a performance contracting program. The guide follows the life cycle of a project and identifies the three major phases as…

This report describes Learning Unlimited, an alternative education program at North Central High School in Washington Township, Indianapolis, Indiana, as a model upon which other alternative education programs might be based. The program was established to keep potential high school dropouts in school, and to provide a new kind of educational…

K-12 social studies teachers in all states can use the readings and exercises in this handbook. It can also be used in pre- and in-service teacher education. The first of six sections discusses social studies' history and goals, laws and regulations in North Dakota, and the new social studies. Materials and services available from the North Dakota…