An empirical comparison of the relative efficiency of verbal aptitude tests developed using two latent trait methods, the one- and three-parameter logistic models, is presented. When a well-defined item pool was used, the simple one-parameter logistic model was as efficient as the more complex model. (Author/PN)

Demands on education will come from society's claims and students' needs. Society's claims, including more literate graduates and better student performance, indicate education needs to be more efficient. Student needs involve student problem-solving abilities, quality of student life in school, and recognition of out-of-school experiences. (RW)

Care must be taken to select technology appropriate to the teaching task in distance education. Five principles of media selection are: increasing student-system interaction, matching the medium with the materials, reducing duplication, choosing the most direct channel, and developing user-friendly systems. Interactiveness and efficiency of…

Louisiana State University applied a wholistic philosophy to its computer applications development. The new standards provide a step-by-step plan for the entire application process, from initiation to implementation and maintenance; list required deliverables instead of rules; and allow the programer and analyst flexibility to exercise technical…

A time management training program is described for use by public school special service providers (e.g., psychologists, specialists) to allocate adequate amounts of time to individualized education program planning and evaluation. A formative evaluation of the application of the approach in a public school district is described. (Author)

The importance of educational research as a determinant of educational policy and practice is demonstrated. The impact of racism on research technology and the effect of research technology on racism is explained, including alternatives to present research methodology. (Author/RL)

A "second best" approach, reintroducing educational productivity analyses into school finance reform strategies, may help to promote efficiency in the provision of educational services. The limitations of analysis models and measurement of equity and efficiency are discussed. (Author/CM)

A guide to personal name customs in foreign countries is presented in order to help in U.S. college recordkeeping. It is recommended that foreign student's names be clarified at the beginning of their enrollment and that consistency be maintained throughout their records. (MSE)

Computer-assisted advisement provides solutions to the most fundamental of advising problems by giving reduced time in evaluating students for graduation, improved accuracy, ease in obtaining information, frequency in providing information, reduction of cost, and versatility. (MSE)

A review of dental education literature reveals that self-instruction can be an efficient and satisfying teaching method compared to conventional instruction. Suggestions for investigation of teaching techniques and a more integrated curriculum using self-instructional materials, small group interaction, and formal lectures are presented. (MSE)

The recommendations of a national committee on the organization, quality, and efficiency of Australian universities are reviewed. They cover accountability, flexibility, and efficiency of operation. Implications for the future of universities, especially small ones, are discussed. (MSE)

Areas to analyze in any evaluation of a school bus pupil transportation program are the administrator's role, operations and administration of the program, maps and map system coordination, time schedules for all schools, the recordkeeping system, the reimbursement aid formula, and specifications and bidding on transportation equipment.…

Higher-education administrators are alerted to the advent of the microprocessor and the capabilities of desk computers. The potential use of the microcomputer in administrative decision making, efficiency, and resource allocation are reviewed briefly. (MSE)

A newly developed input/output method for comparing the efficiency of urban elementary schools is presented. The method results in the identification of efficient and inefficient schools and provides management information relative to input and output measures. (Author/IRT)

Suggestions are given for improving speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of postal service for institutional mailings such as publications. Delivery times, postal service administration, rate increases, and postal priorities are outlined. (MSE)