Examines the advantages and disadvantages of specialist schools in England. Concludes that specialist schools attain higher levels of student achievement at the cost of socioeconomic diversity, especially when these schools set their own admission criteria. Suggests ways for specialist schools to increase student diversity. (Contains 23…

Describes an award-winning school heating and cooling system in which two energy-efficient technologies, variable-flow pumping and geothermal heat pumps, were combined. The basic system schematic and annual energy use and cost savings statistics are provided. (GR)

Compared self-administered diaries and telephone interviews as ways of collecting data from 100 adults and adolescents in a survey of drinking, drug use, and sexual activity. Outlines advantages of each method and the higher personnel costs of telephone interviews. (SLD)

Deming's principles and TQM problem-solving tools and techniques can be used to solve noninstructional problems such as vandalism, dropouts, and student absenteeism. This case study presents a model for principals to apply to identify root causes, resolve problems, and provide quality outcomes (at reduced cost) in noninstructional areas. (Contains…

Introduces a cost-benefit transfer model which considers a performer's perception of need, sensibility, and effort to determine the likelihood of putting to use an idea learned in training. The model predicts use through a mathematical formula: the product of need and sensibility divided by effort. Case evidence of academic physicians are cited in…

Explains how commissioning can help to ensure that all components in a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will work together as designed. Bowdoin College's experience with commissioning is highlighted. (GR)

Discusses how the city of Clayton, Missouri, forged a relationship with its school district to simultaneously maximize public dollars while solving its need for two types of facilities: a new high school and a community facility. (GR)

Examines whether the US Navy's Voluntary Education program leads to lower personnel turnover. Finds that program participation is associated with an 11-percentage-point increase in the probability of continuing in the Navy for 6 years. Findings seem to support the theory that general training safeguards employer investments in specific training by…

Describes the development of low-cost multimedia courses and materials for use on the Internet, as well as virtual laboratories, at the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (Costa Rica). Explains how simultaneous production of traditional printed materials and online courses, outsourcing, and the use of HTML and Java can reduce costs for developing…

As serving as its own contractor, a small district in western Montana saved money, had better control over the project, and inspired public confidence. Major advantages were cost savings, controlling the pace of construction, and the ability to cope with change orders. (MLF)

Discusses the use of virtual field trips based on experiences in a grade 6 science classroom. Considers cost effectiveness, lists online resources, and includes a chart and descriptions of 11 specific virtual field trip sites suitable for elementary and secondary school classes. (LRW)

We compared online study guides to pen-and-paper study guides in terms of academic performance, the amount of time instructors spent grading study guides, and student preferences. Students in 3 sections of a child psychology course used online study guides (n = 46), and students in 3 other sections used pen-and-paper study guides (n = 64).…

To expand understanding of how to improve efficacy as well as enhance the implementation of effective aftercare programs, there is a need to study the following issues: how to operationalize aftercare as usual, how to improve retention and engagement in aftercare, and how to determine or match the optimal duration, dosage, and specificity of…

As the amount of money available for various publicly supported enterprises decreases, the relationship of money to purchases made intensifies as a concern. This question of input to output always has been an economist's focus of concern. However, the production function analyses carried out have been inconclusive, as the output for educational…

Relapse prevention remains a major challenge to smoking cessation efforts. T. H. Brandon, B. N. Collins, L. M. Juliano, and A. B. Lazev (2000) found that a series of 8 empirically based relapse-prevention booklets mailed to ex-smokers over 1 year significantly reduced relapse. This study dismantled 2 components of that intervention: the amount of…