Author discusses performance contracting in terms of accountability, individualized teaching, extrinsic rewards, testing, and the corruption of both language and the process of education." (Author/SP)

A necessarily selective discussion of but a few of the matters involved"; extrinsic rewards, student-teacher relationship, accountability, teachers' union opposition, student reaction. Abstracts of 12 documents included. (Author/SP)

Describes reaction to an independent auditor's report that achievement gains made by students under a performance contract were invalid because the private firm responsible for the teaching was guilty of teaching to the test". (JF)

Relationships between student attitudes and grade success are investigated, comparing contract and traditional grading approaches with preservice teachers. Factor analysis of student attitude questionnaires indicated two principal findings, both are discussed. (Author/GK)

Two eighth grade gifted students arranged with Delaware's Capital Creative Contracting System (CCCS) to make videotapes on two historical figures from the American Revolution. The use of community resources is said to be typical of student efforts using the CCCS. (CL)

Describes grading systems used in student publications production classes at several Texas high schools; includes a copy of the contract used in one contract grading system. (GT)

A humorous account is given of an imaginary negotiation between teacher and students about a learning contract. (PBS)

The use of performance contracts as a method of teaching reading as a social studies skill is discussed. Suggestions are provided for organizing the classroom in order to group students. A guide for teaching reading skills contains a sequenced list of suggested activities to aid students in improving reading skills. (JR)

Data about a modified contract grading system in an introductory American politics course at the University of Wyoming are discussed. Three grade options are described from which students choose one and complete its requirements. (ND)

Hartford, Connecticut, hired Education Alternatives, Inc. (EAI), to help run the schools. EAI's key responsibility will be to help the school board implement their strategic plan for high and clear performance standards, improved assessment methods, more and better staff training, a decentralization of authority, and increased use of technology.…

Presents interview with behavioral ecologist who discusses program concepts for stepfamily dysfunction. Four predictions which focus on stepfamily dynamics are: (1) expect greater conflict in stepfamily environments; (2) understand evolutionary basis of emotions; (3) anticipate flash points of family conflict; and (4) alter criteria for choosing…

A nursing management course used Ripple Effect Plans to demonstrate the application of theory to practice. These plans are individual learning contracts that involve solving of problems taken from practice. (SK)