Used monetary contracts to evaluate artificial incentives in weight reduction. Overweight men (N=89) were assigned to weight reduction treatment groups which varied by amount of deposit and type of contract. Results showed group contracts produced more weight loss than individual contracts. Amount of deposit was only weakly related to outcomes.…

Briefly presents a rationale for including chamber music performance in the high school music curriculum. Describes a pilot independent study course in which students could earn credit through string quartet performance. The course syllabus, scheduling, and contract grading system are discussed. (SJL)

Methods which ensure trainee followup of skills training are presented. Techniques involve personal action planning, group action planning, multiphase programming, performance aids, recognition systems, resource access, trainer followup, and more. (CT)

The use of contracts in individualizing experiential learning programs is explained, its research base outlined, and sample contracts and performance objectives provided. The strategy is encouraged in part as a way for liberal arts faculty to shift roles from transmitter of knowledge to facilitator of self-directed inquiry. (MSE)

Contract grading is seen as a way to enable instructors to assign written work and respond to it helpfully so that their students will learn from the experience. Experiences with contract grading in a sophomore literature class are described. (MLW)

Many of the problems facing secondary schools today can be solved, this paper says, by negotiating learning contracts with students. Presented here is a model for shared accountability. (Author)

The use of a health contract to facilitate behavior change and correct poor habits and attitudes is described. (JD)

Suggestions are made for directing students in a program of independent study. (JD)

Describes a program using thematic language arts learning contracts. (DD)

Discusses how contract grading promotes quality writing as well as a larger quantity of writing. Considers how teachers can use contract grading to support and promote the behaviors, thinking skills, and writing skills they believe will help students create quality writing. Notes that contract grading leads students to write more, to have fewer…

Public school districts signing on with private companies to provide services need to set up contracts with performance standards. Provides seven general advice tips about what to include in contracts and case studies of what three school districts have done in setting up contracts with private companies. (MLF)

The Discipline Option Form successfully combines reduced disciplinary consequences with a positive learning experience. The principal helps the student select appropriate topics for improvement and discusses them during the initial office visit. The student writes a short improvement plan and returns the form with the parent's signature.…

Evidence from the Boston Renaissance Charter School suggests that the Edison Project is struggling fitfully to learn school management. Reliance on suspension and physical restraints demonstrates Edison Project's lack of experience with inner-city children. Test scores are up, but faculty are warring over school mission, teachers are struggling to…

Discusses the magnitude of the problem of deferred maintenance on today's university campuses and the solving this problem using performance-based energy efficiency retrofit as implemented by energy service companies (ESCO). Several case studies of ESCO designed retrofits are examined. (GR)

Describes benefits of using the performance contract for capital-improvement projects. (PKP)