Large high schools offer more specialized curricula, but are problematic. Experts think smaller schools raise minority/low-income student achievement, reduce violent and disruptive incidents, combat anonymity, increase attendance and graduation rates, and operate most cost-effectively. Recent studies corroborate these findings and small classes'…

Includes five articles: (1) discusses Library of Congress efforts to include digital materials; (2) describes the National Science Foundation (NSF) digital library program to improve science, math, engineering, and technology education; (3) explains Dublin Core grammar; (4) measures the impact of electronic journals on library costs; and (5)…

Examines the cost-effectiveness of ITV (interactive television) in seven school districts participating in a cooperative educational association. In all cases, providing the courses on site was far less costly than supporting the courses through distance education. Average cost savings would have ranged from 622 percent to 78 percent. (Contains 12…

Investigates 31 colleges and 1 state system of 21 colleges that addressed privatizing counseling services. A small number of colleges were found to have adopted different models of outsourcing, and some had considered outsourcing but not pursued it. Discusses advantages, disadvantages, factors affecting decision making, and levels of success. (JPS)

Explores the facts and perceptions regarding recycling, what can be done to make products more environmentally compatible, and how to think about recycling decisions in a more helpful way. (Contains 39 references.) (MDH)

Results of a cost-effectiveness analysis of early intervention services in Massachusetts indicate that for a given investment, children demonstrate different levels of improvement in adaptive behavior and child-mother interaction depending on the severity of their disability and the age of entry into intervention. (SLD)

A new elementary school in New Hampshire uses innovative European ventilation technology to ensure excellent air quality. Combined with high-efficiency lighting, the system should reduce energy consumption by 10 to 20%, compared with a traditional facility. (MLF)

The Tacoma (Washington) School District has been using life-cycle costing successfully for several years to compare energy efficiency of climate-control systems for new schools. The analysis includes initial cost, energy cost, operational cost, and maintenance cost. Life-cycle costing was used to determine which of two roofing systems to use on a…

Discusses how early and frequent communication to students, teachers, staff, and parents concerning the indoor air quality (IAQ) in their schools can save money and time in air-quality problem solving. Further, it examines the relationship between building occupant anger to an IAQ problem and the activity level and costs associated with its…

Proposes a number of factors by which the cost of technology in education can be properly justified. Based on a study of technology cost effectiveness with participants of a statewide initiative introducing Interactive Distance Learning (IDL). Describes indicators that represent 12 ways educators in Ohio using IDL for student learning feel the…

Demonstrates the formulation and computation of major benefit and cost items included in an evaluation of social rates of return to foreign study. Considers incidence of measured effects between sending, host, and third countries, focusing on south/north flow of postgraduate students, specifically Fiji students studying at Australian universities.…

The basic philosophy of organization and management of a learning resource center is to maximize the effectiveness/efficiency for the use of all resources and establish proper management control and cost effectiveness. Qualities should include accountability, consistent service, reliable professional consulting, and standardized procedures. A…

A survey of academic librarians determined that the use of e-mail in the follow-up stage of a library research project using mailed questionnaires was as effective as postal mail in speed and size of response. Discusses additional benefits (interpersonal communication, reduced time and costs) and drawbacks (time spent identifying messages…

Discussion of the role of increasing flexibility in higher education systems notes both positive effects (such as improved equity, access, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness) but focuses on possible negative administrative, pedagogic, economic, and philosophical developments. Institutions are urged to embrace the benefits of modern technology…

The key to making smart decisions for school district facilities lies in comprehensive planning--a team effort that crosses lines of responsibility and expertise. A sidebar offers examples of questions that need to be asked and answered. (MLF)