Continues a description of elements in the online searching process, highlighting: (1) search strategy formulation, including free text search construction versus controlled terminology, and terms and search statements; (2) the actual online search, including speed and cost considerations; (3) feedback or reviewing results; and (4) presentation of…

Discusses the use of local area networks (LANs) in libraries and offers suggestions for less expensive versions through resource sharing. Varying disk sizes are discussed, file sharing is described, printer sharing is explained, and combined hardware and software packages for connecting two to four computers are described. (20 references) (LRW)

This paper uses data from the state of Michigan and a translog cost function to estimate and compare three measures of elasticities of factor substitution--Allen, Morishima, and Shadow--in the production of education. (Author)

Effective collaborative in-service teacher education (1) occurs in the school setting; (2) promotes reflection in action; (3) allows teacher ownership; (4) involves pupils and peers in evaluating the quality of the learning environment; and (5) reflects the educational values of the teacher. (SK)

Examines the efficacy of higher education as a remedial strategy for persons with work disabilities. Efficacy is measured by comparing individual treatment costs to net earnings impacts. Higher education was shown to be a cost-effective strategy for persons with work disabilities. Higher education should be given an expanded role within the…

Examines an early instructional intervention called "Reading Recovery" that provides individualized instruction for first grade students who need extra help in beginning reading. A model illustrates the long-term savings possible through the use of Reading Recovery compared to special education programs, grade retention, or Chapter 1…

Examined the results of public education waste prevention workshops whose goal was to reduce waste by 5%. Workshop participants reduced waste by 5.6% compared to nonparticipants. Describes the program, survey methods utilized, and cost effectiveness of the program. (MDH)

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

Reviews William Clune's "The Shift from Equity to Adequacy" (in this same issue) as a provocative contribution to the policy questions on educational adequacy. Supports the overall concept, but identifies certain problems, including an inadequate knowledge base to produce high minimum outcomes, insufficient knowledge about the…

Tested U.S. nursing home case-mix system, Resource Utilization Groups, Version III (RUG-III) in Japanese long-term care facilities. Measured staff time and resident characteristics for 871 patients. Found acceptable reliability for items defining RUG-III, and system explained 44% of variance in wage-weighted staff time (cost). Japanese and U.S.…

Despite recent criticisms, U.S. society is getting a good value for its education dollar. High schools are beset by college influences on the curriculum; special education requirements; overemphasis on student activities; unreasonable international comparisons; the influences of TV, teenage employment, and pathological behaviors; and the…

A comparison of two Tennessee school districts revealed that the district with in-house pupil transportation spent less than the district that contracted for the service. A sidebar discusses the characteristics of small vs. large contractors for school buses. (MLF)

Reports on a seminar sponsored by the European Community that presented descriptions of projects involving the use of telecommunications for training and instruction via distance education. Topics discussed include the use of satellites, their cost effectiveness, computer-mediated communication (CMC), and further directions for the Commission of…

The role of evaluation in electric utility demand-side management (DSM) programs is explored, including the importance of evaluation in determining financial incentives that a company will earn for DSM programs. A hypothetical example is presented of the types of problems that might arise when evaluations are subject to litigation. (SLD)

Alternative fuels are becoming increasingly attractive from environmental, energy independence, and economic perspectives. Addresses the following topics: (1) federal and state legislation; (2) alternative fuels and their attributes; (3) practical experience with alternative-fuel vehicles in pupil transportation; and (4) options for school…