More public institutions are now required to assess student learning outcomes. A look at Virginia and New Jersey shows these requirements vary, but mandated assessment may not produce needed improvements. Inadequate assessment methodologies, faculty resistance, and a lack of clarity about the use of results make this movement uncertain.…

If appropriate planning occurs, business officials can support site-based management. Districts need to develop new working relationships that appropriately balance the responsibility of the business office for district finances and support services with more site-based management at the school level. (MLF)

The strong statistical relationship between socioeconomic background and test performance has been well documented for two decades. Accountability for student background by adjusting test scores may be necessary. This article proposes a valid alternative method that recognizes both absolute performance scores and student background differences.…

Formula funding in Ontario is used as a case study to evaluate how effective formula-funding has been in encouraging autonomous universities to work towards the attainment of public policy objectives. The analysis shows that four mechanisms have been used in Canada--formula funding, designated extraformula grants, incentive funding, and controls.…

Delineating the current costs and quality of service of pupil transportation provides a basis for evaluating alternatives. With this, districts can identify the opportunities to (1) provide the current service more efficiently; (2) modify the current service parameters; and (3) provide service under a more efficient operating system. (MLF)

The author describes a participatory research project that took place in a garment workers' co-operative. The project's purpose was to record the history and working relationships of the co-operative in an attempt to help similar ventures. Problems of participatory research are considered. (CH)

To offset the current extreme trend in public school curriculum toward accountability and quantifiable, testable learning objectives, this essay addresses the curricular implications of adopting a perspective of "sympathetic knowing," defined as appreciation, experiencing connectedness, and experiencing social responsibility. (TE)

Communication between the schools and the central administration is imperative for a successful school-based management program. Once shared decision making is in place, accountability must follow. Principals must establish ways to monitor the instructional process and should know which teachers are obtaining the best results. (MLH)

Describes background to the increasing pressure for instructional effectiveness in higher education and community colleges, particularly. Reviews differences between traditional discipline- and newer competency-based processes for measuring effectiveness and suggests methods for involving faculty in setting standards. Indicates that the integrity…

A technique used in college instruction to improve the contribution of individual members to a small working group of students is described. The approach addresses two common problems: (1) resolution of conflicts and (2) dealing with nonperforming group members. Students interview prospective partners and form their own groups, then report on the…

Stresses the need for documenting the application and outcomes of specific adventure activities with specific client groups and documenting critical therapeutic/clinical incidents in adventure therapy programs. Overviews current trends in documentation of therapeutic adventure programs and provides recommendations from the medical and mental…

Addresses issues related to administration of adventure programs, including liability, hiring well-trained staff, conducting safe activities, supervising safe adventure programs, maintaining appropriate facilities and equipment, keeping accurate records, posting information about potentially unsafe sites and activities, carrying adequate insurance…

Indicates the advantages under school-based management of transferring funds to the individual schools in a lump sum with minimal encumbrances, along with the freedom to transfer funds within the school budget. Transferring money to the schools, along with corresponding decision-making powers, enhances responsibility and accountability. (MLF)

Examines the concept of accountability, including some practices of accountability and how accountability can be achieved. Concludes with a discussion of how accountability must be demonstrated in the early childhood profession, noting the development of a code of ethics by the Australian Early Childhood Association, and citing to whom, when, and…

A conceptual frame is offered for the investigation of issues related to teacher participation in educational governance and teacher evaluation. In a restructured school system both teachers and schools would seek evaluation, not in response to demands for accountability, but as a step toward performance improvement. (SLD)