Many instructional strategies which characterize small alternative schools in urban areas are applicable to small rural schools as well. Philosophical and organizational assumptions and educational methods used in successful alternative schools are discussed. (PP)

The decision on the most appropriate size for liberal arts colleges should not be made on economic grounds. Analysis of literature shows that economic benefits through economies of scale are too debatable to play an important role. Fixed costs may be offset by less institutional complexity in small colleges. (Author/MSE)

Reveals 16 findings of a study on whether high schools using Competency-Based Testing altered their curriculum differently than Non-Competency-Based-Testing Schools and, if so, what factors (e.g., school size, ethnic makeup, or community type) contributed to the differences. Makes seven recommendations based on study findings. (DMM)

The staff of West Moors Middle School in Dorset, England, contribute their experiences and ideas on the nature of middle school education for children aged 9-13. Student characteristics, school size, curriculum, and teaching practices are discussed. (SJL)

It is demonstrated that although governments in France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom failed to foresee the scale of expansion of demand for higher education in the 1960s, as well as the slackening of private demand in the early 1970s, they succeeded in meeting short-term private demand. (KC)

Describes a survey conducted to assess the impact of declining enrollments on the college-preparatory, general education, and elective curricula of 202 high schools. Findings are discussed in terms of the size and type of the schools and are compared with the results of a literature review. (JP)

The structure of arts, science, and humanities colleges within major universities was investigated to determine the relationship between number of faculty or students and the number of administrative levels, and the ratio of administrators to faculty. (SF)

For the past 10 years the South Carolina Department of Education annually has rewarded the top 20% of its public elementary schools. Identifies a positive relationship between larger schools and sustained academic achievement, although the impact of size was relatively small. Smaller schools tended to be serving students in lower socioeconomic…

Reviews literature on small schools and school size. Describes the strengths of small schools, optimum school size, the impact of technology, relation to student achievement, public and educator concerns about school size, financial incentives for small schools, costs and benefits of constructing small schools, and administrative costs associated…

Evaluation, especially when based on a stakeholder-centered model of inquiry, can positively influence institutional change. A successful plan to monitor and evaluate change recognizes the need to involve all stakeholders in the planning and implementation process. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of Australia's proposed changes in higher education's administrative structure, resulting in institutional mergers for cost effectiveness, examines the extent to which savings can be expected from these policies and investigates the organizational conditions under which policymakers can use these savings to achieve the higher…

Given the need for school administrators to exercise fiscal restraint and pare down expenses before recommending tax increases, this article provides information concerning trends in class size, school building renovation, energy economies, teacher and administrator layoffs, and state budgets. (MLH)

Investigates the performance of a regulated, equalized school system by analyzing the relationship between resource use and student achievement in 34 Norwegian high schools. Distinguishing between quantity and quality, uses data envelopment analysis to establish a reference frontier representing best practices and measure technical efficiencies.…

Presents planning lessons from the Community Involved Charter School, a Jefferson County (Colorado) grassroots initiative. Planners should seek community involvement in envisioning the school; define roles for students, parents, teachers, and community members; decide how to administer the school; decide on specifics, such as school size; and seek…

The landmark study "Catholic Schools and the Common Good" presents a definitive analysis of the U.S. Catholic high school, providing insights about school-constituency relationships; the special motivations, rewards, and extended roles of private school educators; the benefits and disadvantages of small size; financial struggles;…