Demonstrates the importance of shape of the hazard function in determining rate of accumulation of chronic patients. New facilities characterized by length-of-stay distributions with decreasing hazard functions may at first appear to prevent chronicity even though eventual, steady-state patient mix includes many more long-stay patients than…

The viability of a short-term residential facility for the mentally retarded was examined, using client discharge and developmental growth data. Discharge for the profoundly retarded was not achieved. Findings highlighted the restraints imposed on evaluating one component of a large service delivery system. (MH)

Examines the history of the North Central Association's Commission on Schools, highlighting seven common misconceptions and citing the historical record to correct them. Discusses the commission's origins, accreditation achievements, accreditation methodologies, relationship to government agencies, dues, and staff size. (MAB)

Assessment is one of the most beneficial activities a university can undertake. Assessment proceeds through four stages that are discussed including: readiness, implementation, acceptance, and commitment. (MLW)

Argues that effective college and university presidents and chancellors can work with the accreditation agencies to make the improvement of educational quality a priority for their institutions. Proposes a pilot project designed to make presidents and regional accrediting associations partners in quality enhancement. (DMM)

Reviews the development by the North Central Association's Commission on Schools of an accreditation alternative based on the measurement of educational outcomes. Presents results from an evaluation of the outcomes-oriented process by a panel of internal evaluators (school personnel) and external evaluators (visiting team members). (DMM)

Compares perceptions of the K-12 School Evaluative Criteria (1983) among personnel from schools that had previously been through the accreditation/self-study process and personnel who had not. Teachers with no previous experience were able to cope with the self-study with no more difficulty than teachers with experience. (DMM)

Results of a recently implemented British rating scale for universities are analyzed to obtain a multidimensional picture of the government funding agency's perceived research rankings of the institutions. The analytical method and results are discussed. (MSE)

Provides a comprehensive perspective on assessment in community colleges, indicating that there is great variance among institutions in the extent and sophistication of their assessment practices. Suggests that there are three categories of outcomes: student performance at community colleges, transfer institutions, and occupations; student…

Reviews the impact of federal education reform measures, particularly Goals 2000, on Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools. The Office of Indian Education Programs organized a school support team process to assist BIA-responsible schools with the development of consolidated school reform plans, curriculum content standards, opportunity-to-learn…

Discusses the role of the "Standards for College Libraries" in accreditation. A comparison of 20 library assessment criteria for 5 regional accrediting bodies using the "Standards for College Libraries" is appended. (AEF)

Describes a study examining the characteristics of an exemplary urban all-boys Catholic high school by identifying the cultural factors affecting norms and examining campus relationships. Indicates that dynamic academic activities, sense of community, agreement on goals, a highly motivational climate, and an open environment are keys to the…

Presents a firsthand account of the author's experiences with taking the actions necessary to achieve institutional accreditation. After listing the benefits of working through the process, the article explains the steps used to achieve accreditation. Accredited baccalaureate programs in recreation, park resources, and leisure services are listed.…

Describes the characteristics and goals of three private subsectors of Latin American higher education: Catholic universities, secular elite universities, and nonelite (frequently nonselective) institutions. Evaluates each type in terms of its own explicit objectives, the desires of its constituency, political restrictiveness, breadth of…

Strategies used by Griffith University (Australia) to control quality, in response to increasing external pressure for accountability, are outlined. The central strategy involves devolving responsibility to faculties and schools, who must develop plans for quality control within their own academic cultures. Barriers to implementation, including…