Describes the development of an automated library instruction records management system using microcomputer technology. Development described includes assessment of need, exploration of options, system design, and operational development. System products are identified and operational results are reported based on actual system performance.…

Data from two studies of evaluation budgeting practices are presented to determine how resources are typically allocated across budget categories in evaluation studies. A common pattern showed these allocations: (1) 61 percent to personnel; (2) 13 to 14 percent to overhead; and (3) 15 percent to all other categories. (Author/LMO)

Sustaining the educational reform movement will involve an estimated 20 percent increase in funding for education. Since such increases are unlikely, the evaluation of existing reform is urgent. Includes a list of seven levels of evaluation appropriate for state reform bills. (MD)

Four small Connecticut school systems demographically different but similar in size have established a consortium to minimize the effects of declining enrollment by sharing their students, teachers, and resources. Despite such obstacles as scheduling and transportation costs, the consortium has generally proven successful. (JBM)

Examines changes at an urban public community college in the Southeast resulting from confrontations with and responses to demands for increased efficiency in the use of faculty resources. Considers various dimensions of efficiency by divisions and for the college as a whole. (DMM)

School boards and other educational governing bodies will be better served if they: (1) appoint their architects based on recommendations of a qualified review panel, and via a process that is specific, open, and accountable; and (2) employ, for special consultative assignments, architects and engineers who are totally independent. (Author/MLF)

Well-designed experiential education programs have much to contribute to higher education and the benefits to student, faculty, institution, and participating comunity organization outweigh the costs. However, the program must be an integral part of the institution's overall instructional-curricular development to be effective. (MSE)

An executive of Moody's Investors Service explains what past experience has taught the company about municipal analysis, how a bond issue is assigned a credit rating, and what issuers can do to obtain the best rating. (MLF)

This case study of the continuing education unit of the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle illustrates collaboration with the university's six health-related professional schools. Tangible and intangible resources, types of linkages, and cost benefits of interagency collaboration are discussed. (SK)

Laid-off music teachers should make sure their educational self-improvement is cost-effective. Some skills can be acquired without formal instruction. If graduate school is indicated, teachers should choose prestigious schools and should try to get scholarships or assistantships. Broader qualifications can also help employment potential. (CS)

Departmental changes by faculty staff are suggested to be one solution to the budgetary problems of some institutions, rather than the more prevalent practice of nonreappointment of untenured faculty. (LBH)

The use of a business-industrial model is a mistake when dealing with public education; a multi-dimensional model (defining goals in broad terms, taking a general view of knowledge, and viewing education as a study of life realities instead of disciplines and specialties) is necessary for true educational development. (MB)

Presents a discussion of community college education as an economic investment and the results of a recent study showing that, in 1974 dollars, (1) taxpayers receive an annually compounded rate of return on their community college investment of 12.11 percent for males and 11.34 percent for females, and (2) rates accruing to graduates are 5.6…

This issue of "NERRC Focus" describes the activities of Vermont's Special Education Program and Fiscal Review Panel (the Panel), created by the Vermont Legislature in 1998, to study the delivery of special education and other support services in Vermont school districts. The Panel's primary goal has been to review the programs and…