Three interrelated, principal factors bearing on the concept of "individualized instruction" are critically examined in this study. They include the notions of: (1) "integrity of the discipline," (2) "democratization" of instruction, and (3) academic accountability. Discussion of the growing mythology surrounding individualized instruction reveals…

This report suggests some possibilities open to school boards for improving compensation methods and presents some new avenues of exploration and study for boards wishing to pursue such possibilities. Subjects covered in the report include (1) the concept of accountability, (2) differentiated staffing, (3) merit pay plans, (4) performance…

This review discusses arguments for and against merit pay and presents some merit pay programs and proposals. The literature cited outlines the controversy surrounding merit pay, identifying its proponents and opponets; links the merit proposals to the accountability concept; discusses the problems of teacher evaluation; and lists alternative…

The functional design of the information system proposed for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is detailed in this report. The design specifies input data, processing, file formats, and report formats. The implemented system will provide information in four general areas: personnel, program/budget, educational results, and community…

This report presents some ideas that were developed by participants at a conference sponsored by the National School Public Relations Association. The conferees from educational, political, and civic life participated in a brainstorming session to develop ideas for improving public confidence in education. The best of these ideas are included in…

The accountability of the English teacher is discussed from the standpoint of who they believe they are accountable to and who is properly accountable to them. The English teacher is said to be accountable to his students, his colleagues within and outside his discipline, to the parents of his students and to the larger local community which…

This report explores the pros and cons of the PPBS management tool. It gives specific examples from school systems and describes steps in each element of PPBS, stressing (1) planning to involve everyone in formulation of instructional and noninstructional goals, (2) programing to give every school program an accomplishment that can be measured…

Behavioral objectives are components of problem-solving and evaluation systems, and of decision-making strategies. Sound objectives meet the criteria of being formulated by those expected to achieve them, are explicit and forward-looking, are consistent with other goals within the organization, are set within the context of a particular…

Basic function of a migrant Census Taker is to identify eligible migrant children, 0-20 years old, residing within a designated area. Census Takers work part-time with school districts, migrant programs, and community agencies within the geographic area to set up procedures for relaying information on identified migrant children. Censuses are…

Cited are examples of and considerations concerning the increasing possibility of legal suits against an institution or an instructor for failure on the part of a student to learn. (Author/MS)

Concern about the continued competence of professionals is manifested by several professional groups in Canada. To protect the public and to inform professionals of new trends in their field, professional groups have begun to require mandatory professional development from their members. (EC)

The relationship between administrators and faculty is discussed with respect to the issue of faculty evaluation. The need for administrators to educate their faculty in the need for evaluation and to be well-versed in evaluation research is stressed. (JKS)

The educational changes that seem to offer the greatest long-term benefits are those that focus on modifying the behaviors of teachers, administrators, and students in the interest of good schools. (Author/MLF)

The author contends that research in the social sciences has witnessed a depersonalization of blame for individual misbehavior, and examines the process by which the blame for school discipline problems has been transferred from individual students to external factors. Recommendations are made for future research approaches. (Author/JAC)

The responsibility and accountability for delivering education should rest with the schools and colleges. The federal government should be content to identify the nation's educational needs that have not been, or cannot be carried out by the states, local districts, or individual institutions, and to stimulate action to meet these needs.…