The general nature of cost-effectiveness analysis is discussed, analytical frameworks for conducting cost-effectiveness studies are described, and some of the problems inherent in measuring educational costs and in assessing program effectiveness are addressed. (Author/IRT)

Results of this comparative study indicate Tennessee librarians/media specialists devote a great deal of their time to tasks unrelated to the library (housekeeping, 5 percent; study hall, 10 percent; bus duty, 1 percent; security related tasks, 1 percent; and equipment repair, 3 percent). (JC)

Assessment of the cost effectiveness of information technologies should pay attention to such benefits as learner motivation, individualization, efficiency, self-assessment, retention, consistent quality, and distributive power. (SK)

Discusses research on the cost and benefits of government-funded universal preschool education. (Contains 12 references.) (PKP)

Describes a study of small, medium, and large enterprises in Shanghai, China that investigated which size companies benefit the most from the Internet. Highlights include leveling the ground for small and medium enterprises (SMEs); increased sales and cost savings for large companies; and competitive advantages. (LRW)

Offers suggestions for dealing with training vendors in times of tight budgets and focus on return on investment: identify supplier and purchaser interests, understand alternatives, determine what is fair, and exhaust options. Seven tips for negotiating a better deal are provided. (JOW)

Discusses the benefits of high-performance schools, which enhance the learning environment for students while saving energy, resources, and money. Describes initiatives of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools and the high-performance design of Carleton College in Minnesota. (EV)

Summarizes studies of three preschool education programs. Finds strong evidence that high-quality day care produces long-term outcomes. Cost-benefit analysis of three programs concludes that benefits exceed costs. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

Examines the costs and benefits of District Education Foundations (DEFs) in California and New York. Includes the prevalence of DEFs, why they are formed, and the sources and uses of DEF funds. (PKP)

Describes several low-cost practices school administrators use to communicate with parents and the community, such as using school board meetings as a mini-information forum, plugging into the power structure, asking for opinions, participating in a community newsletter, conducting audits of a school climate, encouraging your employees and…

Describes several factors related to investing in educational technology: Total cost of ownership, availability of qualified information technology staff, support and planning, and outside resources. (PKP)

Defines professional development and its key components; reviews previous research on professional development costs; examines problems with current fiscal accounting codes; proposes a framework for capturing professional development costs composed of six elements: teacher time; training and coaching; administration; materials, equipment, and…

Describes the use of a cost-efficiency plan to enhance educational productivity during the second wave of accountability. Describes cost-efficiency plan consisting of five components: goals and objectives, criteria, procedures, outcome, and evaluation. Provides tips for developing the cost-efficiency implementation plan. (Contains 31 references.)…

Discusses issues related to the value of searching to determine whether a work has already been microfilmed prior to filming the work for preservation purposes: (1) advantages of duplicate filming; (2) the integrity of existing master films; and (3) the cost of a replacement film. (seven references) (MES)

Attempts to demystify the process of conducting cost-effectiveness research by defining relevant terms and describing the necessary steps. Two previous cost-effectiveness studies of family-based treatment are briefly described to illustrate cost-analysis procedures that may be used in future family therapy research. (Author)