Three school district superintendents discuss their perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of school districts operating their own food service program or contracting with a private firm. (MLF)

Examines technical and support issues that impact on libraries' decisions to provide patrons with remote communication access to CD-ROM local area networks. Areas discussed include licensing costs for CD-ROM, remote control communications software, dedicated hardware, system maintenance, computer security, and the provision of quality, user…

Evidence suggests a modest relationship between advanced study and teaching effectiveness. Cost analysis of a Virginia proposal to require universal master's degrees concludes that such a requirement is an inefficient school improvement method. The impact of such requirements on teachers, schools of education, teacher shortages, and attrition are…

Examines ways of dealing with the growing financial crisis in school food service programs caused by recent cuts in the Child Nutrition Act. (MLF)

Examines the issues surrounding continuing professional education for small numbers of health professionals in rural areas. Looks at experiences to portray the difficulties in access and provision of cost-effective, high quality continuing professional education. (Author/JOW)

Explores the influences state departments of education have on the cost and quality of pupil transportation. Evaluates the following state funding methodologies: (1) actual costs incurred; (2) a flat rate per unit; or (3) a multivariate calculation in providing service efficiently and equitably between districts. (MLF)

Describes results of a British study conducted to determine current practices related to maintenance of microcomputers in schools. Surveys of schools, a maintenance firm, and local education authorities (LEAs) are described; appropriate staff training is discussed; finances are considered; and a cost-benefit analysis is given. (36 references) (LRW)

Examines trends in the design of database management systems for microcomputers and predicts developments that may occur in the next decade. Possible developments are discussed in the areas of user interfaces, database programing, library systems, the use of MARC data, CD-ROM applications, artificial intelligence features, HyperCard, and…

Provides suggestions for using live demonstrations of online searching to promote dynamic interaction in online instruction. Equipment for live demonstrations is described, including a microcomputer, modem, communications software, and computer projection system; search demonstration techniques are discussed; audience dynamics are considered; and…

Results from an evaluation of 11 academy programs in California high schools designed to reduce dropout rates in the state are reported for 1987-88. Results of the matched comparison study were generally positive, and the estimated net economic benefit from dropout prevention for 327 students was 1 to 1.3 million dollars. (SLD)

Two decades of research into educational production function have revealed that variations in school expenditures are not systematically related to educational background, teaching experience, or class size; nor are better teachers paid more than lesser ones. School decision-making must move away from input directed policies to ones providing…

The 10 articles in this issue on authority control in the online environment focus on name and title authority. Topics covered include sharing authority records nationally and internationally; perspectives on recent research and theoretical studies; suggestions for future research; and the design of three computerized authority control systems and…

Describes the design and functions of a technical library database maintained on a mainframe computer and supported by the SPIRES database management system. The topics covered include record structures, vocabulary control, input procedures, searching features, time considerations, and cost effectiveness. (three references) (CLB)

The economic efficiency of alternative types of intervention was investigated with language-impaired preschool children. Forty children were assigned to one of four groups: home-based intervention, center-based intervention, both center- and home-based intervention, and no treatment. The home-based program was more economically efficient based on…

Ten guidelines for successful administrator evaluation programs based on current research and interviews with campus administrators are presented. They concern the evaluation's purpose and approach and the role of the administrator in the process. (MSE)