Discusses and compares advantages and disadvantages of large and small computer-based instructional systems. Predicted and actual costs in two systems--PLATO, which uses a mainframe system, and VITAL, a microcomputer-based system--are analyzed, and cost comparisons are made based on class size. (LRW)

Educational implications of falling birth rates in Western Germany are discussed. Teacher-pupil ratios are emphasized. (RM)

Many social and intellectual forces focus introductory courses not on the process of inquiry but on its products. Changes that can help refocus these courses include limiting class size, emphasizing writing skills, having all levels of faculty teach the courses, and promoting exchange of ideas in the classroom. (MSE)

In general, the more knowledgeable the student in an area, the higher his ratings of courses and instructors in that area. Significant interactions among the four main effects were also found across the judgmental dimensions students utilized in evaluating instruction. (Author/LBH)

The "Model Secondary (6-12) Plan for Reading Intervention and Development" has been designed to meet the cognitive needs of middle school through high school students whose reading performance ranges from those significantly below expectation through those reading at or above grade level. The reading needs of the population of students in need of…

Researchers have studied the affects of class size on student achievement for years. Therefore, the size of classes presently is disturbing. In regards to class size reductions, Murphy, 1998 states that students enjoyed significantly greater improvements in test scores in reading, language arts, and math. A class size research study was conducted…

The federal Class Size Reduction Program, first implemented in California's Los Angeles Unified School District in 1999-2000, included a component targeting eighth grade language arts classrooms for mandatory reduction to a minimum of 20 students per classroom. Implementation evaluation showed that average class size was below 20. This study…

This study examined the impact of class size reduction (CSR) on achievement among 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students with different numbers of years of participation in CSR. Single-year matched gains were calculated for the 1997-1998 and 1999-2000 school years. Student progress was assessed using scores from the SAT/9 reading, mathematics, and…

This report summarizes the findings of some recent pivotal studies of class size, especially as they relate to students at risk. Of particular note is a large-scale study of class size, which was designed to test the conclusions of G. Glass and M. Smith (1978) and G. Robinson (1990) about the advantages of small class size. This study, Project…

The link between educational expenditure and student achievement remains a lively topic of debate after almost 30 years of study. This paper is designed to help legislators and other state policymakers understand a complex and technical area of research that will play an important role in state funding decisions. The paper examines why the…

This report addresses some of the concerns surrounding smaller classes and looks at whether reduced class sizes result in higher achievement levels, and concludes that it in fact does increase student achievement, so long as classes do not exceed 17 students. But many critics question whether the high cost of reducing classes to 17 or fewer…

As poverty, dysfunctional families, and special needs continue to affect students, educators seek improved ways to start children in formal education. One such approach is to lower the teacher-to-pupil ratios, and recent research shows that this method positively influences pupil achievement. How the process works is not well understood. To fill…

This report presents the comprehensive academic plan for undergraduate students to be phased in at Wake Forest University (North Carolina) beginning with the class entering in 1996. Four concepts are emphasized in the plan: (1) continued personalization and individualization of the professor-student relationship; (2) establishment of a first-year…

The Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF) program in Charlotte, North Carolina offered partial scholarships, awarded by lottery, to low-income families in Charlotte to attend private schools in the 1999-2000 school year. Families of 452 students (or the students themselves in some cases), some of whom were using scholarships and some of whom were not,…

With class-size reduction (CSR) in California now a reality, some early evaluations of the program are now possible. A contribution to this early assessment is offered here. The paper describes teachers' and parents' renewed confidence in public education despite the challenges presented by the logistics of implementing the program in the nation's…