While avoiding evaluation or specification of individual companies, computer time-sharing commercial contract agreements are analyzed. Price and non-price contract elements are analyzed according to 22 evaluation criteria: confidentiality measures assumed by the vendor; consultation services available; package programs and user routines; languages…

This paper describes a contract approach to teaching a graduate course in educational psychology at Kent State University. The instructor, operating from a set of four premises, offered students a choice of differentially weighted project tasks, with specific criteria, which must total a minimum of 50 points. Options included a film critique (5…

Using a deliberately confusing and frustrating game exercise, the author attempts to present the student's perception of the conflicting demands that the school system places upon him. Despite the dearth of literature on behavior therapy as it relates to the adolescent, the author believes that the behavior therapist can help the adolescent. After…

The philosophical justification for private industry involvement in specialized training is that these needs are of such magnitude as to require the best efforts of all who can contribute. The practical justification stems from the realization by industry that it must provide specialized manpower training to meet its own need for effective…

This study, conducted by a research team from the Behavioral Sciences Center of Nova University, investigated three features of the inservice teacher training program, connected with Project Impact in Jacksonville, Florida, which are not found in most projects involving performance contractors. First, Duval County was the first district to prepare…

The Center for Educational Studies is a cooperative research center jointly funded and governed by the Grand Rapids Public Schools and Western Michigan University. It developed out of the need for more sustained longitudinal research oriented toward practical teaching applications. Current research being carried out includes studies on sex…

The process of performance contracting by consultants to a school district is presented. Beginning with a proposal for A Training Program for Instructional Specialists--East-Northern School District, the next step is The Supervisory Conference, which is followed by Performance Contract Specifications. A checklist is then provided for Assessment of…

The first section of the paper defines project accountability, presents background to the concept, and highlights current problems in the public school system. The paper is also concerned with assessment procedures that make provisions for accountability in (1) attainment of terminal objectives and (2) phase-by-phase conduct of a project in…

To more nearly relate teaching skills or enabling competencies to the real performance world of the teacher, the Teacher Corps program at Emporia State College proposes that the intern demonstrate teacher competencies through a series of performance projects in each of five performance areas. These performance areas, selected from the real…

Shows how a contract approach to grading can also enrich and internalize some of the basic principles of an introductory college-level psychology course. Through class activities, students are provided with an arena for embellishing some of the theory and principles learned in class. (Author/JR)

Drawing from the experiences of McHenry County College, Illinois, offers 10 guidelines for a self-supporting community services/business training program: run it as a business, make critical decisions, know the markets, identify the competition, develop internal support, evaluate finances and instruction, plan carefully, educate personnel, and be…

Presented is a detailed review of the guidelines and techniques utilized for contractual learning in biological science courses. Included are six different student grade contract offerings based upon the learning contract presented. (SL)

Describes an individualized multi-media remedial reading program incorporating performance contracting. (TO)

Develops an operational definition of accountability and examines some of the implications for schoolmen and their supporters. (Author)