Assessment strategies that colleges and universities design to evaluate the effectiveness of their academic programs should be compatible with other institutional improvement strategies. This paper stems from work done by the Outcomes Assessment Project in International Education, a project that attempts to assist institutions in measuring the…

Designed to assist educators in planning for technological changes in secondary schools, this report presents the findings of a survey conducted in May 1989 to obtain information on the use of microcomputers in Oregon's classrooms. A 46-item questionnaire was mailed to the principals, computer coordinators, and heads of academic departments at 21…

This paper reports selected findings from a study of formal, institution-wide planning in the United States undertaken by the National Center for Postsecondary Governance and Finance, located at the University of Maryland. The study included a review of higher education planning literature, a survey of administrators at 256 institutions, and…

Intended for local consortia that are developing resources and operational materials dealing with the California 1989 Strategic Plan for Adult Education, this document outlines the strategic plan, the need for local planning consortia, and the nature and activities to be undertaken by local consortia. Following an executive summary, an…

In late 1988, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary celebration, the International Institute for Educational Planning organized an international workshop to review the major problems faced by education today and to consider the future of educational planning worldwide. The workshop brought together researchers, planners, and specialists from all…

This final report provides a synthesis of conference presentations by representatives from institutions in 17 Latin American and the Caribbean nations. The material includes descriptions about institutions of higher education planning and developing of their respective schools of education, ministries of education, and national and regional…

Large amounts of money can be wasted and serious disillusionment with the potential of distance education can set in when agencies decide to install extensive and expensive telecommunications systems before they conduct adequate planning. The State of Alaska spent $30 million to purchase and install the equipment for the Learn Alaska Network, a…

The two parts of this report to the Kansas State Board of Education discuss the need for early childhood education, and the feasibility of early childhood education in the public schools. Data suggest a need for preschool education, especially for vulnerable children who cannot otherwise receive the benefits of education when they reach the age of…

This paper describes the current and proposed systems for state and local financing of public education in Illinois and discusses the ramifications for local educational planners of a change from a foundation level program to a resource cost model approach. The paper begins with a brief historical overview of the finance reform effort that began…

Two checklists intended for directors and aspiring directors identify tasks involved in starting and subsequently operating a day care center. Lists may need to be modified to accommodate state and local regulations, specific community requirements, and individual needs. The "Start-Up Checklist for Day Care Centers" is a list of typical tasks…

The need for and use of internal consultants by many organizations and institutions is growing because of the rapid pace of environmental and technological change and the growth in the quantity of knowledge. Although much has been written about consulting roles, competencies and skills needed by consultants, and the use of consultants in various…

Linking Outcomes to Organizational Planning (LOOP) was initiated during the 1984-85 school year in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District. LOOP was designed to ensure that evaluation, research, and informal findings became part of the instructional planning loop; to provide information to the Superintendent on progress toward priorities…

The Effective School Battery (ESB) is a diagnostic tool used for assessing school climate and providing a sound basis for planning and evaluating school improvement programs. This paper provides a brief look at the development of the ESB and describes its basic features. The ESB serves for diagnosing problems, opening up communication, evaluating…

By some standards, Brazil would be considered linguistically homogeneous because more than 85 percent of the population speaks Portuguese, but this view does not account for the multitude of dialects and Indian languages spoken there or for the German-speaking or other bilingual groups in the country. In addition, little information is available…

The videotape, "A Framework for Action," outlines the components of the Management of Education Cycle underlying the Management and Finance Plan (MFP) of the Alberta (Canada) system of education. This paper complements the material presented in the videotape by describing the Management of Education Cycle underlying MFP and providing…