Poses additional complexities for the evaluation of government programs by the formation of partnerships with the private sector. Challenges include differing partner objectives, information deficiencies, variances in partner contributions and outcome effects, and difficulties in estimating benefits and costs. Discusses strategies to aid…

Asserts that after-school programs offer cost-effective means of achieving certain school district goals such as improving academic achievement and developing effective school-community partnerships. (PKP)

Responses from 122 of 411 business school deans/chairs indicated that 30 did not have business accreditation. Perceived accreditation costs, benefits, flexibility, and reputation varied by agency: American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (most prestigious), Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, or International…

A special report on school food service discusses the following: (1) new directions in the federal commodities program; (2) cafeteria etiquette strategies; (3) menus and management for school breakfast programs; (4) balancing nutrition and cost effectiveness; and (5) recycling cafeteria waste. (MLF)

Responds to Nelms' critique of the authors' own "Educational Leadership" article criticizing the IBM Writing to Learn program. Since WTR was conceived, programs can be open and interactive and can fit more comfortably into whole language practices. Readers need to weigh the arguments and decide for themselves. (MLH)

Although class size reductions are often proposed as a way to improve student learning, research does not indicate that smaller classes will necessarily produce improved student achievement. Class size effects on student learning vary by grade, pupil characteristics, subject area, teaching method, and other learning interventions. References…

This special report looks at what is wrong with traditional accounting for training and offers a new model--the consensus accounting model--to help measure the costs and benefits of training. (60 references) (Author)

The data communications requirements of California State University, Los Angeles, reflected in its proposals for an integrated voice/data communications system are described. The advantages and disadvantages of three data communications technologies--voice-and-data private branch exchange, data private branch exchange, and the local area…

Describes the development of a multitype library network in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, that includes public, academic, and system libraries. Suggestions for organizing a similar network include both the identification of common needs and activities and projects for participating libraries. The benefits of forming a cooperative group are also…

Discusses issues relating to recent introductions of CD-ROM technologies in libraries and considerations that have motivated libraries to choose networking CD-ROMs over the standalone approach. Factors discussed include cost effectiveness, the flexibility of the networking approach, and performance considerations. A glossary of terms is provided.…

There are a number of reasonable explanations why the growth of college costs exceeds that in other economic sectors. How higher education has avoided market and/or legislative discipline is unclear, but the growth in debt cannot continue, and colleges and universities will be called on for efficiency and productivity. (MSE)

Presents suggestions from online searchers for using online services. Topics discussed include decreasing costs by using less expensive files; modifying searches on Dialog; use of controlled vocabularies and free text; using a variety of databases; the importance of search intermediaries understanding the topic; and patent searching. (LRW)

Defines distance learning, summarizes recent developments, and explains four networks in the federally funded Star School Program: TI-IN, the Midland Consortium, the Technical Education Research Center (TERC), and the Satellite Educational Resources Consortium (SERC). Satellite networks are the most cost-effective way to offer advanced classes and…

The Calgary Board of Education has successfully operated a self-pay purchase order system to reduce the handling costs for small dollar purchases. A self-pay purchase order is basically a purchase order with a limited-amount check attached. Four exhibits illustrate the system and summarize the procedures. (MLF)

As public officials become increasingly pressured to do more with less, the search for efficiency will expand. Efficiency studies are being undertaken to gauge organizational effectiveness in administration; personnel productivity; privatization options; materials management; mangagement information and control; and vehicle, equipment, and…