The debate about possible tradeoffs between quantity and quality in schools has been confused by using available data as a basis for conceptual definitions. Under certain conditions expansion of enrollment or class sizes will have either no influence or a positive influence on the the quality of learning. The conventional wisdom about tradeoffs…

In the past two decades choice has become a major policy proposal for promoting efficiency in schooling. This paper argues that it would be both efficient and feasible to remove government from its present roles in school finance and pupil assignment. The first part examines the revenue side of school finance and identifies four types of…

A preliminary investigation was done of the effect of the elimination of mandatory retirement of tenured faculty in higher education and the estimated costs of providing faculty benefits and inducements in a future without mandatory retirement. The study developed a classification system of possible benefit packages including the following: (1)…

This paper examines a variety of cash-generating school operations--student activity accounts, athletics, athletic user fees, other user fees, concessions, and cafeterias--and identifies areas where controls are needed. Specific techniques for ensuring effective cash controls are outlined. Internal-audit procedures are suggested that address the…

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), within the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is responsible for administering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Under the provisions of the program, states are reimbursed a set amount of money for each meal served under the program. In 1991 and 1992, the FNS published the results of a survey of a…

The ordinary conduct of school business is accompanied today by risks that were rare or unknown a few decades ago. This ERIC Digest discusses how risk management, a concept long used by corporate decision makers, can help school boards and administrators conserve their districts' assets. Risk management is a coordinated effort to protect an…

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Distance Education Centre compared the cost and instructional effectiveness of the Optel Telewriter to that of telephone tutorials and face-to-face instruction. Thirty enrollees in a data analysis class used the Optel Telewriter, which permits two-way voice and graphic communication, and 30 other…

The past 15 years have brought about the large-scale and effective introduction of open learning and distance teaching methods. During the same time period a rapid increase has occurred in the technologies available to educators and trainers. The increase in available technologies has led to the problem of choice. What media should be used for…

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to examine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated in the project. A major project objective was to determine whether the sharing of an OCLC terminal by two to…

The paper criticizes the practice of providing sheltered occupational environments to severely handicapped individuals and considers ways in which public school programs and adult service systems can be arranged to maximize vocational functioning. Following an operational definition of meaningful work, the chapter analyzes reasons for the…

The prime objective of this review was to examine the existing literature relating to proposal development and evaluation in order to establish a perspective on any empirical base underlying the process. Findings related to seven areas are presented: preparing the proposal, utilization of support services, preparation cost and return…

A demonstration project was undertaken to determine whether 1978 telefacsimile technology--specifically the Qwip 1200, the Rapidfax 100, and the Colorado Video Inc. Slow Scan Television--could address rural public library needs in an effective manner. Five public libraries in developing communities in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, and…

This report offers constructive comments on several of the innovative management tools implemented by the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Issues addressed with respect to the agency's service resource allocation formula include (1) strengths of the formula; (2) whether the allocation formula is intended to create performance…

This report focuses on the use of linear programming models to address the issues of how vocational rehabilitation (VR) resources should be allocated in order to maximize program efficiency within given resource constraints. A general introduction to linear programming models is first presented that describes the major types of models available,…

Non-supervisory training courses covering: understanding information needs; how to work with different managerial styles; thinking ideas through; how to size-up methods; communication; anticipating problems; capitalizing on mistakes; how to use time and set standards and goals--help operating people do their jobs better and prepare them to accept…