A theoretical basis for defining and measuring the quality of institutions of higher education, namely for accreditation purposes, is developed. The theory, the Attributive Theory of Quality, is illustrated using a calculation model that is based on general systems theory. The theory postulates that quality only exists in relation to the…

The effect of institutions on school effectiveness is explored in this book, which argues that school reforms in the United States are destined to fail because of the failure to address the root of the problem, which is found in the institutions of direct democratic control by which schools have traditionally been governed. Methodology involved…

A systems approach to effective instructional design that is equally applicable to educational and organizational settings includes six components: (1) needs assessment, (2) systems design, (3) curriculum development, (4) organizational development, (5) feedback and evaluation, and (6) outcomes. The last component, outcomes, provides a context and…

Designed to begin a feminist "unthinking" and rethinking of educational technology, this paper begins by examining some definitions of what that technology essentially is. Three characteristics of a feminist approach to science that can inform a rethinking of educational technology are then identified: (1) the theorizing of gender as a…

Application of the new naturalism, a synthesis of the natural and social sciences based on the concept of the living system as a self-renewing and self-organizing structure, to educational administration, is the topic of this paper. The new naturalism promises not only a synthesis of the natural and social sciences, but also one of contemporary…

The necessity of design and planning for school restructuring with a macro focus on education systems design is discussed in this paper. Eight support and implementation strategies are identified: utilization of a formal change process; planned coordination; multiple sponsorship; formation of a grassroots collaboration network; external and…

The Systems Approach Model (SAM) is a dynamic approach to planning adult and continuing education that is intended to provide the flexibility, creativity, and meaningfulness necessary to meet the needs and interests of an ever-expanding and ever-aging student population. The SAM model consists of the following dynamically interrelated and…

This paper presents an overview of the evolution of the Yale University Child Study Center's School Development Program (SDP) since its implementation in New Haven, Connecticut in 1968. The needs of inner city school children are discussed, and results of parent and staff surveys are presented. A critique of alternative school improvement…

Training and development professionals play a unique role in helping people improve their performance by using all aspects of the work environment to make those improvements occur. These professions are currently debating the existence of an integrated theoretical framework and how it might support practice in their field. Human performance…

The report describes activities conducted during a 12-month baseline period preceding a series of longitudinal studies of the costs and effects of various types of early intervention with handicapped children conducted by the Early Intervention Research Institute at Utah State University. A systems theory perspective forms the theoretical base for…

This case study provides both systemic and systematic analyses of the university library's role in the knowledge transmission function and doctoral-level research needs in professional education. Based on a self-study of the School of Education (with five doctoral programs) and two university libraries at the University of San Francisco, the…

This bibliography is intended to provide carefully chosen materials that may be of aid to legislators, staff professionals, and the general public in obtaining some insight into the realm of information technology and systems, including computers, telecommunications, microform systems, audio and video devices, and the so-called "analytical…

With the introduction of computers into education, learning is becoming a student-centered process actively directed by the students themselves, rather than a teacher-centered process in which students receive information passively. This situation requires a substantial reassessment of concepts of curriculum and courseware development. This…

Current budgeting techniques are reviewed in relation to their application to higher education, including (1) incremental budgeting, where decisions are based primarily upon former levels of expenditures, (2) zero-based budgeting, involving the establishment and ranking of "decision packages", (3) Planning and Programming Budgeting…

The clinic process for teaching improvement is a systematic process based on the needs of individual faculty participants. It includes the identification of specific instructional strengths and problem areas. In addition to using consultation with a teaching specialist, the process uses a student questionnaire called Teaching Analysis By Students…