Using detailed cost breakdowns, this study attempts to determine the extent to which achievement of fourth- and eighth-grade students can be predicted from educational costs and school district size, and what combination of these variables and socioeconomic status best predicts student achievement (as measured by 1980-81 California Achievement…

Based on the ninth annual national survey of public school salaries and wages, this first part of a three-part report examines the salary schedules--as opposed to salaries actually paid--for 23 professional positions in 1,120 school systems. A lengthy table lists each district, arrayed alphabetically by state, and presents data on district…

Drawing on data from the ninth annual national survey of public school salaries and wages, this second part of a three-part report looks at the salaries actually paid for 22 professional positions in 1,120 school districts. Among the positions covered are superintendents, central office staff, principals, teachers, librarians, counselors, and…

The contributions of educational indicators to the eighth grade passing rates on the Minimum Performance Test (MPT) for Arkansas' 329 school districts for the 1987-88 school year were investigated. The variables/educational indicators reported in this study included: school district size in terms of average daily attendance, number of teachers…

This companion study to the three-part report, "National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools, 1986-87," offers administrators and policymakers accurate and timely data for comparing staffing ratios in their own school systems with those of similar enrollment size and expenditure level. Pupil-staff and teacher-staff ratios were…

Following inquiry into small elementary school evaluation processes, a system of evaluation was developed which proposes to standardize and make more efficient already existing forms of evaluation, improve communication among school staff on matters of education and evaluation, and insure that all critical matters of schooling are openly reviewed…

The attitudes of selected superintendents in Illinois regarding Public Law 94-142 were studied. A review of related literature indicated that special education training and knowledge of PL 94-142 contributed to positive attitudes toward handicapped persons and the laws that apply to them. A questionnaire was sent to 300 local school…

This report lists contract salaries of superintendents and the minimum and maximum salaries scheduled in 1985-86 by 1,104 responding school systems for 21 other selected professional positions surveyed. The length of the school year is also noted. Eighteen summary tables show percentile distributions, means, and ranges of minimum and maximum…

This report looks at the 1985-86 contract salaries of superintendents and at salary data reported for each of the other professional positions by 1,104 public school systems surveyed in the fall of 1985. The number of persons employed in each category is also shown. Twenty-five summary tables show salary distributions, means, medians, and the…

Education is faced with a declining resource base coupled with overwhelming demands for categorical programs. The current resource allocation strategy common to all systems is cutting spending. The difference between large and small districts is less important than differences in complexity. Complexity in resource allocations is more a function of…

Three organizational characteristics of public school districts were studied in order to determine their effects on the adoption of innovations. The sample was 184 school districts in Illinois. A list of 20 innovations was compiled, and the number actually implemented was reported by district superintendents. The ratio of the number of innovations…

Continues the discussion of the Association of School Business Officials' 1987 member survey on automation, citing computer applications in use by enrollment size. Only the number of applications in wide use increases with enrollment size. A rough measure of satisfaction with software vendors highlights two companies. (MLF)

Notes how limited funds and technical personnel affect small school districts and points out benefits that computer technology can bring to their administrative practices. Presents seven guidelines for selecting a computer to meet a small district's needs. Covers software selection, maintenance, staff training, and choosing a vendor. (JHZ)

This document is one of a series of reports based on the Special Education Expenditure Project, a study of the nation's spending on special education and related services based on analysis of data for the 1999-2000 school year. This report focuses on general patterns of variation in total spending on special education students across districts…

In May 1996, the Education Commission of the United States, with the support of the Charles A. Dana Foundation, convened a 2-day meeting in Austin (Texas) to focus on urban school district reform and restructuring. Participants, who included state policymakers, superintendents of several urban school systems, and a number of education researchers…