Studied the long-term outcomes and costs of the Success for All program using data from the Baltimore Public Schools, Maryland. Success for All students completed eighth grade at a younger age, with better achievement outcomes, fewer special education placements, fewer retentions, and at the same educational expense. (SLD)

Physicians in three communities (n=31) participated in four problem-based learning modules via videoconferencing. Posttest scores were 20% higher and learners reported an average of nine practice changes. Facilitators and observers reported a number of technical difficulties. Facilitators found videoconferencing slightly more difficult than…

Describes use of Environmental Protection Agency's Tools for Schools tool kit to improve indoor air quality aimed specifically at eliminating asthma triggers such as dust mites and mold. Includes several examples of school district efforts to reduce or eliminate student health problems associated with poor indoor air quality. (PKP)

Examines some of the current research and thought on the promises, problems, and the future possibilities in modern distance learning, particularly types that are delivered via electronic means. Topics include history of distance learning; quality of instruction; cost effectiveness; misuse of technology; equipment problems; instructor attitudes…

The Kentucky constitution's intent was to found a free system of common schools. Historically, local support for Kentucky public schools has left much to be desired. Taxpayer reluctance to support schools through local property taxation is exacerbated by state legislation overtly discouraging this approach. Efficiency is, therefore, impossible.…

Examines the development and use of a resource-components cost model for local planning, policy, and decision making in special education. A local district case study found that any systematic examination of special education instructional costs must allow for variations in student use and that district budgets materially understate real special…

Describes a New York school district's experience with using an assessment center to help select the superintendent. The key was designing in-basket and role-playing exercises to test candidates' competencies and training board members to evaluate results properly. (MLH)

Examines IBM's Writing to Read (WTR) program for kindergartners and first graders from four perspectives: its language learning paradigm, the computer program design, the research conducted on its effectiveness, and implementation considerations. Since costs outweigh learning benefits, educators should reconsider purchasing this program. Includes…

California funds 160 programs for children and administers them through 45 different agencies. Such piecemeal service delivery leads to duplication and fails to deal effectively with the multiple, interrelated nature of children's problems. Senator Pete Wilson, Republican gubernatorial candidate, has proposed that social services be unified and…

Nine computer-assisted career guidance systems are assessed: the Career Information System; CHOICES; CHOICES for Adults; CHOICES Jr.; DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults, for High Schools, and for Junior High and Middle Schools; the Guidance Information System; and SIGI PLUS. Four detailed tables compare features in terms of career decision-making…

Critiques the computer-assisted career guidance systems assessment guidelines by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972). Finds that the system gives consumers important information but is missing the identification of how effective the systems' features are individually or collectively. (SK)

The research findings and methodology used to evaluate the relative cost effectiveness of 2 systems of acute psychiatric care are described for 2 cohorts of 195 and 595 clients. The systems involve sole use of a general hospital and use of a general hospital together with a psychiatric health facility. (TJH)

Indicates that nurses' voices are not heeded in national policy and health care decisions, even though nurses know as much about cost/quality relationships as any health care professionals. (Author)

Critiques of conventional models for evaluating the utility of organizational human resource policies. Questions the implicit assumption that utilities are invariant across changing labor market conditions, and concludes that omission of these considerations overstates the likely utility of the programs being evaluated. (TE)

Describes a study that compared the coverage of the nursing profession, subject heading specificity, and ease of retrieval of the MEDLINE and Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) online databases. The strengths and weaknesses of each database are discussed and hints for searching on both databases are provided. (four references) (CLB)