Describes a study of the location of decision-making authority in state community colleges at the college or governance board level. Examines differences in authority for academic, personnel, and administrative matters. Suggests that decision-making authority generally rested at the local level, although personnel decisions were more likely to be…

A University of Maryland at College Park faculty member describes the recent retrenchment process, focusing on the role of the faculty senate and the academic planning advisory committee in decision making. The administration is credited with conducting an open and decisive process. (MSE)

Certain characteristics, behavioral traits, and ethical qualities are essential for principals' effectiveness. Expediency and effectiveness rarely coexist. Through daily acts of omission and commission, principals profoundly affect what is valued in schools. Some guiding principles are outlined, along with sample situations (parent-teacher…

Reviews current literature about personal, demographic, situational, and cognitive attributes that affect computer-aided decision making. The effectiveness of computer-aided decision making is explored in relation to decision quality, effectiveness, and confidence. Studies of the effects of age, anxiety, cognitive type, attitude, gender, and prior…

Maintains that economics is a way of thinking and is consistent with efforts in educational reform that emphasize thinking skills. Presents a review of educational objectives linked with suggested instructional materials in economics education. (CFR)

Reports on a study of how naive theories, age, and education relate to higher order thinking among 54 adolescents and adults. Finds that, regardless of age and education, all subjects referred to naive theories to identify causes and create remedial strategies for social problems. (CFR)

A survey of 82 deans in universities in the United Kingdom investigated the responsibility of senior administrators and faculty in goal-setting and resource allocation, responsibility for various administrative functions, expectations about these roles in the future, perceived decision-making style of senior administration, and areas perceived as…

Two studies of adults between the ages of 18 and 87 were conducted to determine the relations among age, motor speed, perceptual speed and 3 measures of cognitive performance: study time, decision time, and decision accuracy. Results indicated that increased age was associated with lower accuracy as well as with longer study and decision time.…

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) approach to rapid development of an information warehouse to meet needs for executive information, decision support, and general management reporting is described. Logical, management, and technological infrastructure challenges are discussed. The approach taken, which delivers summary data first before…

Asserts that a primary goal of social studies is to prepare students to make informed decisions on public and political issues. Maintains that the most effective approach to teaching critical thinking is through infusion--teaching thinking skills in the context of subject matter. (CFR)

Policy implications of studies of teachers' responses to features of work redesign are discussed as they relate to career choice decisions, the teacher labor market, and teacher supply in specific areas. The focus is on high-quality teachers, since the aim of work redesign is to attract and retain the best. (SLD)

Presents an update on a university's articulation work. The university aimed at collaboration in specifying the skills and knowledge expected of elementary and secondary students, motivating these students for higher education, setting standards and providing feedback to school districts. Progress in articulation is slow but discernible. (seven…

Because of a fundamental shift in the way decisions are being made in colleges and universities, institutional researchers in the twenty-first century will no longer merely collect, analyze, and disseminate information to support decision making. They must also become information architects, change agents, and consultants of choice within their…

Reviews the literature and the recent history of student participation in college and university governance. Presents data from studies attempting to assess the nature and extent of such participation and examines learning opportunities in student participation. Suggests ideas and models for thinking about participation in the future. (RJM)

Reports on a study of how seven fifth-grade teachers organized their social studies curriculum following the adoption of a new textbook. Finds that teaching styles were more varied than might be expected given the similarity of materials. Discusses three observed teaching styles. (CFR)