In describing the primary school reorganization controversy in Gwynedd, Wales, the author emphasizes the ideological positions of the opposing groups: the rural contingent favored small village schools closely tied to the community and to Welsh culture; the urban-based, technocratically-minded group preferred cost-effective consolidated schools.…

All major aspects of P.L. 94-142--the concept of the least restrictive environment; due process procedures; individualized education programs; and parent involvement--were identified as problems for rural schools. Three primary hindering factors were identified: teacher retention and recruitment problems, rural attitudinal problems, and problems…

Effective use of faculty is an important consideration in the need for accountability as institutions must maintain institutional quality while increasing operational efficiency. Collective bargaining and new federal reporting requirements for faculty necessitate a continuing focus on workload issues. (MLW)

Granite School District (Utah) developed a systematic, effective, and cost-efficient teacher inservice program which provides a basic understanding of metrics, materials and methods for direct classroom use, and evaluation of the learning process, through the use of self-contained, three-phase modules for home or school use. (Author/SB)

The relationship between the organizational scale of schooling (school and school district size) and school success is examined. The history of the movement toward larger school units, the evidence of the effects of that movement, and possible research strategies for further investigation of the issue are discussed. (JKS)

This study assesses the Personalized System of Instruction's (Keller Plan) conventional academic environment capability. The author focuses on some of the issues accompanying the introduction of PSI. (SA)

The impact of technical advances in computer hardware is examined. Size, cost, ease of use, expandability, and availability are discussed to help assess the impact of these advances on information systems. It is suggested that technology is making administrative computing economical and feasible. (Author/SF)

Advantages and limitations are presented regarding the training and education potential for video communications in industry (particularly closed-circuit television), and some requirements for planning and application are also listed. (MF)

Compares the results of an interlibrary loan (ILL) user satisfaction survey conducted among the Greater Midwest Research Library Consortium members with institution-specific data from Iowa State University and University of Arkansas. Discusses contrasts in policies in light of results that show significant differences in supplier charges per…

Maintains that the equal marginal value principle may not be optimal in the analysis of the cost-effectiveness of policies to reduce auto emissions, the economics of garbage disposal, and the economics of pollution abatement. Argues that examining these exceptions can help students understand the equal marginal value principle. (MJP)

The eight chapters of this theme issue evaluate a large-scale intervention, the New York City Public Schools Integrated Learning Systems Project. The overall evaluation contains ethnographic studies of project schools, statistical investigations of outcomes in terms of student achievement and attitude, comparisons of system costs to other systems,…

A number of universities now require all students to have computers, charging additional tuition to cover costs of hardware, networking, and technical support. Despite frustrations of extensive computer systems and technological change, most feel the programs are worthwhile and address the limitations of campus computer labs. Laptops have become…

Tracking and two statistical methods (probability weighting and sample selection modeling) were studied as ways to minimize bias attributable to sample attrition in school-based studies. Data on student smoking from 30 middle schools illustrate that sample weighting yields the best results, with estimates superior to sample selection and much less…

Three school officials explain why their districts recognize that facilities management requires district-level oversight by trained personnel. Beyond maintenance and construction, facilities managers serve as district experts on risk management and student safety. (MLF)

Discusses unforeseen costs (including potential litigation expenses), benefits, and consequences of adopting security measures (such as metal detectors, drug dogs, security cameras, campus police, dress codes, crime watch programs, and communication devices) to counter on-campus violence and gang activity. High-tech gadgetry alone is insufficient.…