Experiments were conducted on the speed of encoding differences between 15 school-age individuals with and 15 individuals without mental retardation, while retaining a full memory load or half memory load. Subjects with mental retardation allocated fewer attentional resources to encoding, even though encoding may require more of their resources…

A discussion of the current economics of the United Kingdom's higher education system outlines conceptual models used by economists for evaluating a system's efficiency and applies them to assess the effect of recent funding changes. It is concluded that increased emphasis on research is adversely affecting university teaching quality. (MSE)

The rate of growth in government spending (particularly, slow growth or decline) has an important impact on the effectiveness of resource allocation. Data from 47 developing nations was used to test a model, based on public choice theory, of interest-group behavior and educational budget growth/decline. Government spending trends were related to…

Outlines an approach to budgeting in the research library. The following priorities are addressed: an adequate student labor force; adequate support staff; professional staff; education, training, and professional involvement; physical facilities and equipment; and the access--rather than collection development--budget. (EA)

The scientific community's expectations for biomedical research exceed funding capacity. Despite national social and economic problems, funding for biomedical research is already high. Additional funds will not solve the problem entirely. The biomedical community must set priorities and allocate money accordingly. New policies for allocating funds…

Australian research funding, with increased emphasis on social and community relevance, is criticized inappropriately by both traditional and radical segments of the humanities and social sciences. Higher standards of research planning may promote more equitable and rational funding, and there is still room for humanities research in the new…

In the coming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Congress will carefully examine the purpose, accessibility, process, and administration of student aid program. The deliberations promise to be extensive. Eight specific student aid policy issues to be addressed are identified. (Author/MSE)

Describes the implementation and development of a comprehensive Institutional Effectiveness process at El Paso Community College. Discusses both the four-step process (evaluation, planning, resource allocation, and implementation) as well as unit reviews, which analyze quality indicators. Contains two data tables and five figures. (JDI)

Describes the design and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the acquisition, maintenance, and upgrade of educational technology at Montgomery County Community College (Blue Bell, Pennsylvania). Indicates that despite comprehensive planning, implementation was incremental and contingent on the availability of resources. (JDI)

Outlines the historical background of fundraising in community colleges, contrasting these efforts with those of four-year institutions, and discusses the matter of integrating resource development with institutional planning processes. Provides examples of successful community college development efforts, along with a discussion of several…

Technology is a tool that can support good teaching and well-managed schools. To assure taxpayers and parents that investments in educational technology are worthwhile, schools can emphasize access, focus on teaching, link it to reform, encourage research, and plan for the future. Lists Web sites for finding information about the effectiveness of…

Discusses an investigation into factors affecting planning effectiveness in Hong Kong self-managing schools. An analysis of survey data from schools participating in the School Management Initiative scheme shows that principal's support and resource support are significant factors in predicting positive planning outcomes. Explores flexible…

Schools and school systems will improve their chances of making a good choice of school reform program if they determine: (1) the program's goals and objectives; (2) the program's research base; and (3) the resources, in terms of money and human effort, required to make the program work. (SLD)

Alberta's 1996 introduction of performance-based funding for colleges, universities, and technical institutes is a substantial departure from previous Canadian practice. Origins and implementation of the two-year pilot project are described and several conceptual deficiencies are examined. Further research on the impact on educational quality and…

Discusses principles for allocation of endowment funds by governing boards, including intergenerational equity, the inherent conflict between an institution's operating budget and its endowment, the importance of achieving financial integrity, and spending policies in volatile markets. Guidelines for board-reviewing policies are offered. (DB)