Discusses seven general guidelines for deciding whether to adopt a new program: get the facts, hire a consultant, investigate the philosophy and theory, analyze costs, decide if the program has staying power, visit a similar program, and involve teachers. (Author/JM)

Marilyn Rauth asserts that the public schools are well equipped to provide universally accessible early childhood education. Sandra Hofferth argues that, while federally-funded preschool programs do help certain children, their provision to all through the public schools would be too expensive and too bureaucratic. (SJL)

The importance of cooperative development among and exchange between university information systems is discussed. Cooperative developments in the California State University and Colleges System and exchange efforts between university systems in other states are described. (Author/BH)

The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is used as an example to illustrate the methodology and utility of cost analysis in educational planning and decision making. By identifying cost-inducing variables in a system, it is possible to analyze expenditure against the level of activity associated with each variable. (Author/MLW)

Characterizes the Job Corps experience as the first significant application of the systems approach to instructional development, and discusses the project's mission, trainees, training environment, training programs, needs assessment, student learning units, group training techniques, effectiveness in preparing trainees for jobs, and cost…

A definition and discussion of cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness analysis and its applications and limitations are presented. Case studies of cost-benefit analysis are given which apply to the mental health field. Includes a brief annotated biliography. (Author/RC)

The question addressed is whether it is economically profitable for community college vocational degree holders in computer science, nursing, nutrition, and social work to get a bachelor's degree when they have access to jobs for which all degree holders are eligible. Monetary returns are calculated by cost-benefit analysis. (MSE)

As long as vocational education is presented as an investment in the future, it must stand the test of economic evaluation. Research on its economic effectiveness is essential to more informed public policy and support for vocational programs. (SK)

Comprehensive facilities management is seen as becoming an important factor in higher education. Alternatives to new construction exist in the form of rehabilitation and renovation; deferred maintenance must be addressed and gradually reduced; better use of space must occur through diversion of surplus space, increased utilization, and…

A treatment regimen demands extensive diagnostic work-ups. In most situations where a specific diagnostic finding does not occur, the appropriate treatment will be multitreatment. Drug treatment will continue to predominate, with research emphasis directed toward attempts to predict which children will respond positively to methylphenidate.…

In describing the primary school reorganization controversy in Gwynedd, Wales, the author emphasizes the ideological positions of the opposing groups: the rural contingent favored small village schools closely tied to the community and to Welsh culture; the urban-based, technocratically-minded group preferred cost-effective consolidated schools.…

All major aspects of P.L. 94-142--the concept of the least restrictive environment; due process procedures; individualized education programs; and parent involvement--were identified as problems for rural schools. Three primary hindering factors were identified: teacher retention and recruitment problems, rural attitudinal problems, and problems…

Effective use of faculty is an important consideration in the need for accountability as institutions must maintain institutional quality while increasing operational efficiency. Collective bargaining and new federal reporting requirements for faculty necessitate a continuing focus on workload issues. (MLW)

Granite School District (Utah) developed a systematic, effective, and cost-efficient teacher inservice program which provides a basic understanding of metrics, materials and methods for direct classroom use, and evaluation of the learning process, through the use of self-contained, three-phase modules for home or school use. (Author/SB)

The relationship between the organizational scale of schooling (school and school district size) and school success is examined. The history of the movement toward larger school units, the evidence of the effects of that movement, and possible research strategies for further investigation of the issue are discussed. (JKS)