Paper presented at a conference on Research into Education, convened by the Australian Council for Educational Research (May 18-23, 1967).

Examined the influence of relative size in the analysis of total dollar and workforce budgets, and changes in total dollar and workforce budgets when correlational/regression methods are used. Data suggested that size dominates the analysis of total budgets, and is not a factor when discretionary dollar increments are analyzed. (JAC)

A survey identified several factors and trends in staff utilization, including limited institutional authority in staff assignment, limited use of formula staffing, less efficiency in nonmetropolitan colleges, use of part-time staff in direct proportion to school size, and staff/student ratio inversely related to school size. (MSE)

The effects of the learning environments of small and large schools on the personality development of students were explored. Multiple regression analysis revealed the effects of school size to be reflected in only two of eight variables: sense of cohesion and concern for persons. (Author/JM)

Seventy-one elementary and middle school principals in northern Illinois responded to a questionnaire on their backgrounds in reading instruction, their preferences for certain approaches, their duties in relation to the reading program, and their feelings of competence in these matters. Responses are collated by school size. (SJL)

Briefly traces history of decline and resurgence of rural communities, discusses school consolidation and studies on per pupil costs, travel costs, energy conservation and community pride and identity as factors in maintaining small rural schools. (AN)

The nature and form of useful management information in a variety of situations is discussed. It is suggested that questions posed by managers may determine the effectiveness of the management information system. Questions concerning demographic trends and enrollment declines are used to illustrate this point. (SF)

School business officials from 10 large urban school districts express their concerns about school size, deteriorating buildings, lack of parental involvement and parenting skills, obsolete business systems, loss of public support, retrofitting for technology, privatization, and low-bid construction results. Violent behavior and criminal incidents…

Begins with a discussion of cost and efficiency in education. Presents an empirical model to estimate school-level economies of scale. Applies model to expenditure data set by school from 17 Wyoming school districts. Finds that it costs more per student in a small school than in large schools to achieve similar educational outcomes, thus…

Health professionals concerned about children's mental health say schools have become more stressful places and that many students cannot handle the pressure. Factors contributing to students' stress include high-stakes testing, fear of failure, parent pressure, and large impersonal schools. To combat the effects of a large school, Venice High…

Argues that the small school is intrinsically neither good or bad but just unique as an educational setting. Discusses declining enrollment, growing societal concern about the products of public school education, and distance learning technology as forces shaping the future of small schools. (SV)

Institutionalized curriculum change requires administrative leaders in key positions to act as lead mediators and change agents, giving attention to system and organizational characteristics as well as the development of networks of interpersonal influence. (Author/MSE)

Presents an interview with Linda Darling-Hammond, codirector of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST). Topics discussed include educational reform; the role of technology in redesigning schools; reducing school size; teacher training; alternative assessment methods; curriculum changes; barriers to school…