In most states, declining state appropriations have forced public colleges and universities to raise tuition at an unprecedented rate. Colleges and universities are expected to become more accountable, improve institutional effectiveness and efficiency, and report progress in measurable terms. Amid these pressures, institutions are challenged to…

Comparisons of student achievement effect sizes suggest that systems in which student performance in math and reading is rapidly assessed between 2 and 5 times per week are 4 times as effective as a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, 6 times as effective as voucher programs, 64 times as effective as charter schools, and 6 times as effective as…

Traditionally, education in Scotland has been viewed as a national service that is locally administered. This research casts new light on that relationship between the Scottish Executive and local authorities by drawing on evidence from an evaluation of the implementation of the additional support staff element of the Teachers' Agreement which…

Certain issues are relevant to the international recognition of vocational qualifications: (1) the assumption that each country does or should value vocational education and training; (2) the quality of the national system and the implications for international recognition of qualifications, including recognition of the accrediting and awarding…

In the effort to reduce costs, improve productivity, enhance quality of services, and improve turnaround time for ordering, receiving, and cataloging new materials, libraries are increasingly turning to outsourcing as a strategic management tool to help them maximize use of their fiscal and human resources. This guide covers all aspects of…

The relative costs and benefits of workplace literacy training were analyzed. An analysis based on eight benefits/costs (training costs; higher productivity; high wages; nonwage compensation; less worker turnover; safer workplace; higher taxes; and improved self-esteem) established that workplace literacy training offers net benefits for workers,…

The first annual report in the project's 24-year history, this report describes aspects of the National Writing Project (NWP), a nationwide education program that works to improve student writing and thinking by improving the teaching of writing in U.S. schools. The report notes that each year more than 100,000 teachers in 45 states, the District…

Most public schools, out of financial necessity, have had to reduce costs while maintaining facilities and essential programs and remaining accountable for student outcomes. School downsizing can mean making painful decisions about program elimination and staff layoffs. This digest offers suggestions for using downsizing to some…

Staff development is rapidly becoming more visible and more expensive. School boards and the voting public are becoming aware of the increasing costs and are demanding to know how effectively the money is being spent. It will become increasingly difficult, even job-threatening, for superintendents who guide ineffective staff development programs.…

One answer to the magnitude of the world education crisis is the provision of very large education systems, capable of enrolling 100,000 students or more. The largest distance system is the Dianda or Chinese Radio and Television University (CRTVU) system. Dianda is best described as a network of one central open university that does not enroll…

This handbook for child care centers that are expanding their support to parents of children in their programs begins by describing the Parent Services Project (PSP). The next section explains the many services available to parents and the variety of ways these services are provided at the PSP centers. Services include fun family events; parenting…

The Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program was evaluated from the standpoint of its impact on three groups: VISTA volunteers, communities served by VISTA sponsors, and sponsoring organizations to which VISTA volunteers are assigned. Survey questionnaires were sent to 1,250 of the 3,400 VISTA volunteers currently in service, 494 current…

The financial status of the African-American participants in a management education program designed for minority farm operators was assessed. The study also examined the methods/means by which the Florida A&M University and Farmers Home Administration Technical and Managerial Assistance Project personnel provided education and assistance to…

A study examined the impact and cost effectiveness of a principal leadership-development program. The program is based on one-on-one interaction between the participant and a leadership analyst, and it includes the following components: assessment, feedback, and construction of a one-year personal development plan. A survey mailed to 195 Illinois…

These 38 presentations are the highlights of the Conference Board's Work and Family Conference. An "Introduction" (Dana Friedman) is followed by "The Future Is Not What It Was, and Why Companies Care" (William Lee, Reuben Mark), which consists of introductory remarks and responses to an interview. "The Diversity of…