A number of issues related to the development of evaluation methodology are discussed. These issues are as follows: the definition of the purpose, general strategies for the development of methodology, and methodological research. The evaluation methodology developed is for the purpose of providing data for decision making. Some specific…

A common concern of state-level and postsecondary institutional decisionmaking is the limitations of the state planning and budgeting process as it relates to educational change and accountability: increased regulations, the cost of obtaining information, the difficulty of assessing outcomes, the inability to discourage nonproductive programs, and…

Based on estimates of differences in costs for school personnel and transportation in Missouri school districts, a cost-of-education index is computed, patterns of cost variation examined, and the impact of state aid allocations determined. Some conclusions are drawn as to implementing a cost index as part of school finance policy. (MF)

Methods for recording and comparing student enrollments among dental schools and in relation to other health profession education programs are reported. Differences are noted and it is suggested that to gain a proper perspective on the allocation of resources for an educational program, all aspects of the program must be described and evaluated as…

Comparing large numbers of varying types of programs is a national-level problem that requires a uniform, total program perspective. A cost-per-student figure that has policy relevance for health professions education program needs to analyze the education output unit; be comparable across programs, schools, and institutions; and provide more…

Trustees wishing to determine how well their institutions are doing can tabulate Q factors, which "are determined by the amount of money spent in each budget area to maintain an acceptable level of quality within an institution." (MLW)

More funding is required to reduce accumulated plant deterioration funding requirements. The emergence of strategic facilities planning tying academic planning and student life facility requirements into plans to eliminate plant deterioration is discussed. Some statewide and campus surveys of facility conditions are discussed. (MLW)

Reviews arguments for and against fees for online services and describes a supply side model in which the library absorbs the costs of online searching. The implementation of this policy at an academic library is evaluated and detailed guidelines for implementing such a policy are provided. (CLB)

Demands for educational cost accountability and containment call for careful analysis of costs in delivering special services. Discussed are problems in compiling state and local educational expenditures; methods of categorizing costs between regular and special education; and the Resource Cost Model, which utilizes a program as its unit of…

Many educators are expressing doubts about the propriety and timeliness of the movement to legislate and mandate institutional accountability, but the trend continues with encouraging results. (MSE)

Examines variation in the methods used to assign students to classrooms and teachers in a small but highly diversified sample of elementary schools. Gives explicit attention to parental influence on pupil assignments as well as to effects of having an unusually incompetent or excellent teacher at a particular grade level. (NH)

Israel's higher education system and its history are described, and the mechanisms used by the government to control educational quality through funding and planning are discussed. (MSE)

Causes of inadequate educational results for poor and minority children are enumerated. Consequences of resultant increase in dropping out are listed. Solution involves tackling the following: (1) funding disparities between poor and affluent neighborhoods; (2) achievement gap between whites and minorities; (3) dearth of work-oriented programs;…

State policymakers have the following options in attempting to ameliorate the high school dropout problem: (1) additional money; (2) general aid or targeted aid; (3) incentives or mandates. Research findings on the effect of each of those options are summarized and suggestions for state policies are made. (PS)

The president of the American Council on Education accused the Reagan Administration of encouraging unregulated pursuit of self-interest and diminishing the commitment to the overall social good by excessive support of national defense and decreased support of education. (MSE)