An elementary school teacher of gifted, creative, talented, and high ability students describes her efforts to individualize classroom instruction by developing learning centers and individualized learning materials. A Learning Agreement is used for personal planning of students' daily activities. Other classroom components are journal writing,…

The effectiveness of using the school principal for behavior contracting with problem students was studied with nine students (sixth through eighth grade). Implementation of administrator-student behavioral contracting successfully decreased the number of teacher referrals to the principal's office. Suggestions for implementing…

A health education program for college students based on learning contracts is described. This individualized and humanized approach allowed students to work at their own pace on subjects of interest to them. (JD)

Traces the evolution of a radical educational experiment, the Dalton Plan, in suburban Scarsdale, New York in the 1920s. The plan consisted of individualized instruction by contract. Although many problems had to be worked out, student scores and college achievement were excellent. (KC)

Areas discussed in selecting an outside designer include: how to find the right designer; dealing with a purchasing agent; the differences between studio and free-lance designers; how much freedom a designer should have; how to deal with the designer; and what advice designers can give. (LC)

Suggestions for selecting a professional photographer for collegiate publications are given: develop a shooting script that defines your needs; select the photographer skilled in a defined area; negotiate fees carefully; work with the photographer; and be present shooting day to oversee activities. (Author/LC)

The use of independent study contracts as a method of individualizing educational planning for the gifted allows gifted students to pursue in depth a topic or field of study, to use outside resources when appropriate, to make decisions about the mode and media to be used, and to assume some responsibility for their own learning. (SBH)

Describes the development and implementation of a metaphorical (nonenforceable) family contract that sets forth parental responsibilities for assisting the public schools in the education of their children. Contract involves the home environment, use of the out-of-school time, and parent involvement with schooling. Discusses issues related to the…

The University of Akron's Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics program seeks to retain minority engineering students by emphasizing competence and diversity and forming collaborative learning communities focused on excellence, not remediation. Features include learning contracts, peer counseling, freshman transition activities, a study…

By using behavior contracts in detention group sessions, a suburban California high school reduced the number of repeat offenders. In groups of five, students discussed why they had been assigned to detention; and leaders led brainstorming sessions to discover alternative behaviors and helped students select the best alternative for a behavior…

The intent of charter schools is to become autonomous entities, free from the laws constraining public schools but accountable for student outcomes. This article describes the development of two very different charter schools in the Jefferson County (Colorado) School District. Although one is an "old-fashioned" alternative school and the…

Roughly 15% of U.S. elementary school principals are working under incentive or performance-pay contracts. Douglas County, Colorado's program, including teachers and administrators, has four components: outstanding performance, skills blocks, group incentive, and district responsibility pay. Bonuses can be major motivators. A sidebar details…

It is a difficult time for policymakers, business leaders, and education leaders to think about ways to increase the numbers of students graduating from high school prepared for college and the work force when their focus is on reducing budgets. But now is the best time to plan for the future. Now is the time to explore programs that may bear…

An innovative advanced shorthand/transcription program utilizing the competency-based concept along with individualized progression and contractual grading was initiated at Illinois State University. (Author)

The Comprehensive Objectives Accounting System (COAS) is a program for establishing performance objectives for educational personnel, evaluating performance, and providing rewards for exemplary performance. The program is long-term, flexible, requires mutual agreement concerning objectives between individual employees and their supervisors, allows…