This is a study of a voucher program administered by the Portland Work Incentive Program (WIN). The voucher program was designed to give WIN participants: (1) the freedom to choose their own occupations and vocational training schools; and (2) the responsibility for arranging to enroll in those schools. The primary role of WIN staff members was to…

This case study of the effects of declining enrollment on the school district in one small Minnesota city is published in conjuction with a planning assistance manual. In its attempt to balance the budget, the district was forced to make many staff reductions, including cuts in administrative staff. In addition to the problems in force and…

The work reported here is exploratory and investigative in nature, but it is expected to lead to a systematic research program designed to test the validity of propositions about the innovation process. Part 1 is introductory. Part 2 sets the stage for discussion of the Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS) field research. Part 3 enumerates the…

The subject of restructuring teacher education and working toward the improvement of educational opportunities in the schools is addressed. Teacher education faculties often are in power struggles with other faculties in colleges and universities and are often underrated as professionals. Decision-making in regard to teacher education is becoming…

This guidebook is designed to assist postsecondary occupational educators in the conduct of local program evaluation efforts. The Reality-Based Evaluation (RBE) system for program evaluation has been designed to be flexible within a general recommended structure and is intended to be adaptive rather than adoptive. A major tenet of RBE is that…

Department chairpersons, college deans, and members of college-level personnel committees at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) were interviewed concerning their use of procedures by which college students measure or evaluate teaching, teachers, and classes. All regular teaching faculty at BGSU and associated administrators also were asked to…

Argues that the teaching of earth science is largely neglected in the elementary science curriculum. Provides examples of how more instruction in the earth sciences at all levels can enhance decision-making skills. Discusses the relationship between various learning theories and certain instructional strategies in earth science. (TW)

The article describes a three-year research project to develop an applications model to successfully integrate technology in the instruction of mild and moderately handicapped elementary grade students. The model focuses on decisions of in-school agents in such areas as identification of content, instructional methods, organization of instruction,…

Argues that the students, the primary constituency of the schools, have been omitted from efforts at school reform. Urges that students become part of a partnership with administrators, teachers, and parents through an integrated thematic plan that would make the student the center of the school universe. (FMW)

States the objectives and implementation procedures for this teacher-directed or individualized learning discovery unit. Describes the value of the program and additional activities that can be included. Shows a copy of the program. (RT)

The study examined the effects of a child's sex and socioeconomic status on referral, assessment, and decision-making by presenting hypothetical cases to 38 undergraduate speech-language pathology students for evaluation. Results suggested that some referral and assessment decisions may be biased solely by the child's sex and socioeconomic status.…

Examines the nature of authority as embedded in organizational and professional structures within an academic library context and its relationship to the fit between the organization and the environment. Self regulation and formal participation are introduced as alternatives to traditional strategies for decision making. (CLB)

Surveys importance of economic and environmental factors in motivation of metro- and nonmetro-origin migrants relocating in 13 Kansas nonmetropolitan nonamenity turnaround counties. Finds employment-related reasons predominate, with economic characteristics of counties a significant factor. Quality of life/environmental reasons were less…

Describes characteristics of the secondary school student in regard to vocational choice: a strong need to want to know, intrinsic and extrinsic values assessment, caring about parents' opinions, and having some control over their lives. Suggests pragmatic activities and strategies counselors can use to assist students with occupational decision…

Describes summer supplemental special education program of the Navajo Tribe's Chinle Agency. Program provided 57 exceptional students with instruction; trained teachers, aides, and parents in special education procedures; and provided university credit toward a degree or certification. Describes program evaluation techniques and results. (LFL)