The Resources Cost Model (RCM) determines an appropriate cost of education for each Illinois school district. Appropriate cost is a function of the quantity of resources (teachers, supplies, and buildings) needed and the price of resources faced by each district. A modified RCM framework could remove the model's surburban bias and improve judgment…

Examines the dispute concerning ideas related to a national scope and sequence for the social studies curriculum. Urges social studies teachers and other interested parties to review all proposals for a national scope and sequence so that they can participate in developing an improved plan or recognize that defining a scope and sequence is…

The author argues that three key areas in the planning of educational finances need reconsideration: (1) room to maneuver, (2) resource allocation, and (3) sensitivity analysis. The importance of regular, systematic data for policy analysis, evaluations, and monitoring is stressed. (Author/CH)

Discussion of the pivotal role of the library in computer integration at Illinois State University (ISU) includes (1) a profile of ISU; (2) an overview of computer planning and implementation at ISU; (3) the role of the library in enhancing computer literacy; (4) issues faced by the library; and (5) future projections. (2 references) (MES)

Argues that the social process by which knowledge is produced, distributed, and consumed reinforces oppression by systematically and intrinsically creating a body of distorted information. Recommends the systematic planning, design, organization, and control of the development of instruction as a strategy for addressing issues of inequality and…

Discusses the growth of U.S. history programs in British universities since the 1950s, and their subsequent decline in the 1980s. Criticizes political and academic shortsightedness for closing or crippling American Studies departments despite strong undergraduate demand for courses. Forecasts further cuts throughout the 1990s resulting in a…

An academic partnership between Cotati-Rohnert Park School District (California) and Sonoma State University was formed to provide continuous instruction from kindergerten to college. The partnership has several objectives, including establishing a management institute for school administrators and linking university and district faculty in…

Describes how four Illinois school districts have dealt with declining enrollments and teacher shortages by developing an interactive system using local cable television systems to broadcast courses that are shared between schools. The evaluation of the first two years of programing has been encouraging. (MD)

Presents an eight-step model for introducing computers into an educational program. Emphasizes advance planning, which includes developing a theoretical basis, specifying a mission, defining measurable outcome, refining evaluation criteria, preparing a program, and implementing, evaluating, and recycling the results. (MLH)

Outlines two case histories of schools districts that have used microcomputers in the planning and management of pupil transportation systems. Using microcomputers in transportation planning is new and most effective in smaller, rural districts. (MD)

Outlines the Learning Climate Improvement Process developed by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) that is used to identify the components of a school needing improvement. Includes discussion of the five steps involved in the improvement process. Includes references. (MD)

Provides a basic definition of the systems approach and explains the school as an open social-technical system composed of five subsystems--goals and values, technical, psychosocial, structural, and managerial. Contrasts the systems approach with earlier management theories that emphasized particular subsystems and ignored others. (JHZ)

Criticisms voiced in recent national reports on education are summarized. Use of schools as immediate instruments of social change and expanding career expectations of women are cited as roots of acknowledged deficiencies. (MNS)

Underscores the need for a guiding ideology for educational planning in Nigeria, finding the Nigerian National Policy on Education and the Third National Development Plan too abstract and unattainable. Advocates the process of systematic forward planning, whereby education is conceptualized as a "system process orientation." (DMM)

Effectiveness of substitute teachers is related to the implementation of strategy for their utilization. If substitutes are expected to do more than control students, then teachers must leave lesson plans, activities, and materials that can be used by anyone. Cooperation and coordination are essential for substitutes' success. (MD)