This report contains a description of the principal results and conclusions concerning the impact of educational performance contracting on student achievement in two school districts that subcontracted with its local educational association to test the use of incentives in regular classrooms. A related document is EA 004 441. (Author)

This working paper treats research progress on educational accountability. The document first defines accountability and provides its historical background, gives some reasons for its current popularity, and establishes its relationship to the society that engendered it. Next, the paper focuses on the two major issues in accountability -- (1) its…

A study to assess student attitudes toward the grade contract in order to determine if students do view it as a positive procedure to aid learning is presented. The study questionnaire sought student opinions on the grade decision process and results, course interest and learning outcomes, and their perceptions of the professor's role. (JMD)

The author states that there are numerous variables embraced in the concept of contracting (clearly stated objectives, individualization, self-evaluation, cooperation between student and teacher) and lists 27 varieties of contracts. He concludes that objectives and reasons for contracting be clear before determining that contracting is the best…

Investigates the comparative effects of written as opposed to verbally stated instructions and specification of contingencies, with the written contract containing the typically used written agreement. These procedures were applied to self-managed, naturalistic behaviors, and compared to self-monitoring alone. Study-question answering and amount…

The management of competency-based vocational education curriculum in the classroom is first described by following one student's progress through the system. Then helpful hints on monitoring, planning, and organizational procedures are suggested for good management. (BM)

The adoption of contract grading for a required pharmacy communication course at Auburn University is discussed. The primary objective of the course was to develop an acceptable level of communication competencies. Traditional approaches of grading were not seen as conducive to mastery learning and motivating students to perform. (Author/MLW)

The results of a study to determine whether health behavior contracting was effective in changing health styles among 190 college freshmen are reported. Methodology is described. (JL)

A performance contract is a systematic approach to specify roles of members of the teaching triad; it provides feedback, accountability; and goal statements for each member--cooperating teacher, student teacher and university supervisor. A sample contract is provided. (JL)

Results of a behavioral contracting intervention with a fourth grader increased the child's school attendance from 48 percent during baseline to 87 percent during intervention. Stressed is the importance of collaborative consultation and use of validated interventions by school mental health professionals. (Author/DB)

Drawing from the experience of Kirkwood Community College (Iowa) in providing technical training on a contract basis for agriculture students from Central America, this article offers guidance on steps in planning for, initiating and implementing a technical training project. Reviews challenges and benefits. (DMM)

This fifth and final lesson on library evaluation focuses on the evaluation of library personnel. Highlights include standards for comparison of employee's characteristics (ideal traits, productivity of other employees, job-related behavior), and Management By Objectives (involves mutual goal setting between manager and subordinate). Five required…

A study was conducted at a large midwestern university to assess effectiveness of health behavior contracts for students enrolled in a personal health course. Results showed that health behavior contracts, as utilized in this study, appeared to have no significant impact on participant health behavior. (JMK)

This article lists psychometric problems encountered when measuring change in achievement by improved test scores as is done in performance contracting. Examined are: regression toward the mean, reliability of gain scores, the nature of grade norms, and test content as representation of educational objectives. (SB)