First of two parts urges discarding the drill/skills approach to writing in favor of new methods developed through research. Second part discusses research findings related to the cost-effectiveness of reducing class size, using computer-aided instruction, increasing instructional time, and using peer tutors. (PGD)

Focuses on the information aspects of the Grace Commission's (President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control) findings and recommendations contained in the report on federal research and development. Research project reporting and redundancy, database provided by National Technical Information Service, cost controls, and measuring research and…

Outlines education's benefits to both society and the individual and argues that these benefits are often undervalued by many critics. (FL)

Investigates how the increased use of computers affects clerical and managerial employment. The author finds that the net effect of computers in 1972-1978 was to depress the employment of clerks and managers substantially, but that the pattern over time supports the bureaucratic reorganization hypothesis. (Author/CT)

A process whereby continuing education administrators can quantitatively measure FTEs (full-time equivalency), courses, registration, costs, and student hours and relate these measurements to staff productivity is evaluated and its limitations explored. The author also presents a framework of accounting for adult education productivity and values.…

Local restaurant managers suggested ways for the Orcutt Union School District, California, to set up a centralized, self-service lunch program that has reduced labor and food costs. Instructions for ordering an information packet about the program from the district are provided. (MLF)

A Houston, Texas, school district has found that indirect lighting fixtures combined with skylights lower energy bills and provide softer, more natural lighting. A principal feels the softer light may have a calming effect on students' behavior. (MLF)

Good school maintenance can save money that can later be used for educational programs. Appropriate activities are listed to obtain community support. Specific areas to be addressed in a district maintenance plan are listed. (MLF)

Rather than questioning equal educational opportunities for disabled students, the authors suggest that research and curriculum development should focus on three areas: criteria of educational validity to demonstrate appropriateness; variance in learning associated with specific student characteristics and interventions; and valid curricular…

Uses a travel cost method to quantify benefits received by visitors to Petawawa National Forestry Institute's public awareness facilities. Analysis of data from 697 visitors provided a basis for calculating benefits, which are reported in monetary terms. These benefits ranged from $2.89 to $6.64 in value (United States) per visit. (Author/JN)

Describes pitfalls of audiovisual program development for training purposes, including lack of communication, overoptimism, false economy, and failure to consider the audience and the presentation environment. (SK)

Describes two recent studies sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse which focused on the cost-effectiveness of prevention. Results showed that the alternatives program (Channel One) produced increased drug use at one site, while the affective education program reduced drug use and was judged cost-effective. (JAC)

The problem of choosing educational and psychological tests to identify students with learning disabilities is discussed within a cost-efficiency framework. An efficiency index for estimating the classification accuracy of tests is presented and the use of expert judgment and the cost-effectiveness ratio is demonstrated with a numerical example.…

An agreement between Johnson Controls and a Maryland school district provided financing for the initial capital expenditure to upgrade and control the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment at a high school and guaranteed savings during the 5-year contract. (MLF)

Energy management systems are designed to monitor and control energy consumption. A variety of these systems is described. (MLF)