This article describes the potential measurement problem in analyzing costs and benefits of vocational education so that policymakers and educators can distinguish between proper use and misuse of this evaluation technique. (Author/CT)

A longitudinal study of 551 Cincinnati public school students indicates that early childhood programs do have long-term educational benefits. (Author/WD)

A cost analysis of the sports program at State College (Pennsylvania) Area School District gathered data on costs, income, numbers of student participants, and hours spent in each sport. The resulting costs per high school athlete per hour lead the authors to conclude that sports expenditures are a bargain. (Author/RW)

The award winners of the National Association of College and University Business Officers-U.S. Steel Foundation's Cost Reduction Incentive Awards, designed to stimulate creative thinking on the part of colleges and universities faced with the sharp rise in energy and other costs, are identified. (MLW)

Based on the view that athletics are a valuable part of the school program, this article suggests where budget cuts in the athletic program might be made. (Author/JM)

The article provides a guide for using cooperative agreements to increase the utilization of community resources for serving handicapped persons. Procedures for designing, implementing, and measuring the cost and benefits of cooperative programs are included. (Author)

Explains the following 10 ways to contain costs: cooperate in purchasing; negotiate prices; ask for extras; rent your facilities; sell your training; buy in bulk; go with cheaper, lesser known vendors; look for ways to save on small items; use retirees as tutors; and develop a network on cost containment. (CT)

Argues for the use of rigorous common sense in the management of schools' increasingly scarce financial, human, and physical resources. Encourages use of an output budgeting system by department heads and teachers before purchase or deployment of resources. (Author/WD)

The two best reasons for purchasing a typewriter service contract are to obtain insurance against major breakdowns and service when needed. However, not every machine should be on a service contract. Guidelines are provided for deciding. (Author/MLF)

Reports findings from surveys in Ohio and nationwide that academic libraries utilizing competitive bidding policies received consistently higher discounts than did their sister institutions where decisions to purchase were made by other means. (Author/MLF)

Emphasizes the usefulness of a benefit-cost perspective to generate ideas for encouraging lawful behavior in a variety of different situations. Illustrating the utility of the benefit-cost perspective are traditional criminal behavior, business wrongdoing, and rule violations by public officials. (Author)

Presents factors to aid in deciding whether a school should remain open or closed before planning a school renovation project. (WD)

Shares some insights into the school purchasing process. (MLF)

School officials should strive to obtain the best insurance coverage at the lowest possible cost. Large school systems can save money by establishing a self-insurance program rather than buying insurance. (Author/MLF)

Two experts argue that active solar energy systems are not cost-effective for most school buildings. (Author/MLF)