Current proposals for national testing are either for national multiple-choice tests in which all students would take the same test or for a system of performance-based examinations calibrated to national standards. The Bush administration's proposals, as enunciated in "America 2000," embrace both types, beginning with administration of…

This publication presents excerpts from a literature review on the process of budgeting and assessing financial need requirements for public colleges and universities. Excerpts highlight funding formula approaches used by some states and higher education institutions, linking funding with educational quality, funding formula development and…

The adult continuing education (ACE) programs provided under contract with the Gloucestershire (England) Adult Continuing Education Service were evaluated in January-February 1994. An evaluation team visited more than 60 venues, including main sites and a wide range of village halls, family centers, women's institute halls, and other outreach…

A look at the figures in a recent report, "The State of Learning," reveals that for the students in New York City, who are almost one third of all those in the State's public schools system, the state of learning is deplorable. The children who are most at risk receive fewer resources than their more advantaged peers. Minorities…

To examine the accuracy of myths of state higher education finance trends, this study used data from 50 states to explore recent patterns in funding allocation, state policies, and system characteristics. Data were gathered through development of a database on state system characteristics and trends and through two surveys sent to state higher…

The United States has no coherent strategy for helping noncollege-bound students develop the competence for middle-level jobs. The need for more emphasis on the needs of noncollege-bound students became apparent during the 1980s as less-educated workers began encountering more wage and employment difficulties and as occupations requiring…

The research and evaluation agenda for the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) is determined for each school year, subject to current needs and requests. The evaluations and other major projects for 1993-94 will focus on three major areas. First is providing school support. Testing programs mandated by state law and district policy…

This report responds to the California Legislature's request for an assessment of the impact of intersegmental programs designed to enhance student preparation for college, particularly those students historically underrepresented in postsecondary education. The report focuses on the effectiveness of each program and its components and the extent…

This study synthesizes completed and current studies about the impact and cost effectiveness of welfare-to-work programs and the different approaches used in various local contexts and for important groups of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients. Chapter 1 sets forth conclusions and policy implications from the completed…

The first of a series of annual reports for policy makers, this publication focuses on evaluating changes in the interplay between the world's changing resource base and the economic system. Following an overview, content is divided into 10 additional chapters covering population stabilization, the world's dependence on oil, soil conservation,…

This paper analyzes prevalent methods of comparing schools' performance and recommends alternative measures more helpful toward understanding how schools might be improved. The influence of two factors--resource availability and financial need--on the level of school programming is explained in light of Michigan's system of educational finance.…

This review of the Strathcona County school system (Alberta, Canada) makes recommendations based on information gathered in 1986. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 summarizes findings and recommendations. The review involved surveys of employees, community members, and community groups. Recommendations concern organization, evaluation,…

A report by the Council of Ontario Universities presents financial information on 22 church-related colleges, universities, and seminaries which receive financial support from the Ontario government through the university with which they are federated or affiliated. It is part of a three-volume set which includes detailed data on the revenues and…

This document explores how well the four conditions necessary for implementation of performance-based policies in vocational education can be met in postsecondary education. The four conditions require that: (1) it must be possible to specify the desired outcomes precisely and unambiguously; (2) these outcomes must be easily, accurately, and…

The identification of strategies for the improvement of individual and organizational effectiveness is the purpose of this task force summary report. Methodology involved passive and active needs assessment techniques. Over 200 New York State Education Department employees voluntarily participated in quality circles, the active component, and a…