The advantages and disadvantages of college mergers are examined in the context of Australia's experience, and the opportunities offered by cooperative rather than adversarial change are emphasized. (MSE)

Class size reduction has been shown to, among other things, improve academic achievement for all students and particularly for low-income and minority students. With the No Child Left Behind Act's heavy emphasis on scientifically based research, adequate yearly progress, and disaggregated results, one wonders why all children aren't enrolled in…

In Spring 2005 the Maine Legislature passed legislation establishing an isolated small school adjustment in the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula. The adjustment for isolated small high schools (i.e. under 200 pupils) was a reduction in student-teacher ratios in the formula calculations, and in the case of isolated elementary…

Cost analysis makes it possible to establish how much things costs, set budgets, determine prices, and compare the costs of different options. In distance education (DE), the main areas of cost analysis are as follows: print-based correspondence systems; educational/institutional television and radio systems; multimedia systems, and e-education…

There are reports of current nurse shortages in all but a few OECD countries. With further increases in demand for nurses expected and nurse workforce ageing predicted to reduce the supply of nurses, shortages are likely to persist or even increase in the future, unless action is taken to increase flows into and reduce flows out of the workforce…

Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) were established in 2001, intended to be a key driver in enhancing the contribution of the further education (FE) sector to meeting skills needs. Current government policy expects employers and individuals to pay a greater share of the costs of training, particularly at Level 3, which is the CoVE priority…

During a faculty strike at York University (Ontario), two telephone surveys were undertaken to assess student perceptions of the strike. The first survey was taken during the fifth and sixth weeks of the strike, with the objective of documenting the experiences of students while the strike was on. The questionnaire for this survey was developed…

Achievement in Mathematics (AIM), an algebra class at Lexington Community College, has successfully demonstrated the benefits of collaborative study. Six sections of Intermediate Algebra were taught by three instructors, each teaching one traditional section and one collaborative section. All six sections were given the same lectures, tests, and…

This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Iowa Community College Funding Formula Task Force. The first section contains a list of guiding principles of state aid to the community colleges. These include: providing Iowa citizens with access to educational opportunities and services; having a balance of state aid, local property…

Efforts to compare the costs of exactly the same things in different geographic regions involve comparisons of the same "market basket" of goods in two geographic areas. Measuring cost differences in education, however, is difficult, since most of the costs are in personnel, rather than in supplies. This publication explains the differences…

The University of Chicago's Chapin Hall Center for Children conducted an evaluation of the first phase (1995-1998) of the MOST (Making the Most of Out-of-School Time) Initiative of the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds. The objectives of this initiative were to contribute to the supply, accessibility, affordability, and quality of after-school…

In France, intermediate professions are jobs for holders of the professional baccalaureate plus 2-4 years of additional study. Intermediate technological education supplies a qualification that comes between secondary education and the qualified engineer. These people have a practical background that combines knowledge with skills and an ability…

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of federally funded work force development programs, such as employment and training programs. Information, including budget data for fiscal years 1999 and 2000, was gathered on federally funded employment and training programs for which a key program goal is providing assistance…

Describes a cost allocation procedure developed at the University of Texas at Austin for its School of Nursing to project costs for long-range budget planning. Eleven tables illustrate the use of this costing/budgeting/resource allocation methodology, a potentially effective way to justify funding increases. (MF)

Questions concerning the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in veterinary medical curriculum are addressed, including: cost; applicability; student reaction; and benefits to faculty. It is suggested that CAI can supplement and expand the students' clinical experience and can increase faculty efficiency and productivity. (BH)