The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory presents a primer for making educational decisions more systematic, containing a collection of (1) prescriptive guides for clarifying problems and objectives, (2) suggestions for identifying possible solutions, (3) criteria for judging solutions, (4) methods for measuring values, and (5) strategies for…

This report describes approaches to database translation (i.e., transferring data and data definitions from a source, either a database management system (DBMS) or a batch file, to a target DBMS), and recommends a method for representing the data structures of newly-proposed network and relational data models in a form suitable for database…

Arguing that the seller of creative works--including audio and video productions and computer software--will be affected by the ability of consumers to make high quality copies of these works, this paper examines the theoretical effects of copying on the sellers of originals and speculates about ways to estimate these effects empirically. The…

Despite all the rhetoric about the quality aspect of small schools, the discussion inevitably boils down to a consideration of cost. The issue of cost differentials associated with school size requires an examination of the cost implications of alternatives. There are definite economies of scale associated with size; however, there also appears to…

Respite child care is a form of short-term care provided in a family day care home or a child care center for the purpose of helping families that are experiencing stress. At an average cost of $300 to $400 per month, respite care is cost effective. Since 1983, California's child care resource and referral agencies have administered a small…

Hearings were held to: (1) receive "Healthy Children: Investing in the Future," an Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) study on cost-effective strategies for improving the health of mothers and children; and (2) consider reauthorization of the Federal Family Planning Program (FFPP), Title X of the Public Health Service Act. This…

The recent history of efforts in Virginia to implement preventive programs in the area of mental health (MH) and related fields is briefly recounted, and evidence of the effectiveness of prevention programs is briefly reported. For a number of years in Virginia policy makers and legislators have been provided a variety of recommendations regarding…

A definition of inequalities in school inputs weighted according to their importance for educational outputs is applied to the data from the 1966 Educational Opportunities Survey. The extent and source of inequalities due to race and religion are examined. The results are discussed in terms of findings from more restricted definitions of…

How a TV studio can be set up in schools inexpensively. (HB)

Some people are demanding: "Cut taxes. Put people on welfare to work, even the women with children." Would this reduce or increase taxes? Analysis of the costs for a model of a child care program provided to welfare families headed by women presents a cogent answer to that question. (Author)

The problems of meeting diverse needs, keeping training relevant, maintaining quality, minimizing administrative loads of course leaders, and keeping costs reasonable are discussed in this article dealing with the General Electric (GE) formen/supervisor program (FSP). Evaluation criteria for FSP course leaders and instructional modules are…

Describes results of turning to management consulting by Oakland Community College in Bloomfield Hills, Illinois. From an expensive, overstaffed custodial/maintenance department and inadequate work scheduling and supervision, Oakland went to a streamlined operation with procedures and manpower requirements optimized through use of a sophisticated…

In order to improve the chances for a working accountability system there will need to be a change in many of the traditional organizational patterns of educational establishments. (Author)

The costliest attitude to assume is the one that says the architect to hire is the man who promises to do the cheapest job. (Author)

In selecting an architect for new construction or renovations, building committee members are advised to adhere to eight basic disciplines that apply to architects as well as to clients. (Author/WM)