A pricing model is offered, based on retention of current students, that colleges can use to determine appropriate tuition. A computer-based model that quantifies the relationship between tuition elasticity and projected net return to the college was developed and applied to determine an appropriate tuition rate for a small, private liberal arts…

Discusses strategic choices facing the Open University (United Kingdom) and other distance education institutions with the availability of electronic data processing and an increasingly competitive environment in traditional higher education institutions. Topics addressed include distance education and industrial production; production in the Open…

Introduces and discusses ideas and issues relevant to the international unification of scientific and technical information (STI) through development of an international aerospace database (IAD). Specific recommendations for improving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aerospace Database (NAD) and for implementing IAD are given.…

Describes recent efforts of the Center for Research in Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing (CRESST) to evaluate authentic assessment methods, such as portfolios and performance tests. When comparing the merits of authentic versus multiple-choice testing, it is wise to consider validity, reliability, consequences, fairness, generalization,…

Presents an overview of the benefits of portable library structures and discusses results of a national survey of 16 public library systems representing 18 portable facilities. Findings relate to common locations, user groups, cost effectiveness, advantages, and staff reactions. (Contains 10 references.) (EAM)

Funding constraints on Tanzanian higher education include low economic growth rate, balance of payment problems, inflation, currency devaluation, absence of cost-sharing, and resource mismanagement. Higher education has high unit costs, low capacity utilization, and high teacher-student ratios, but private benefits are high relative to social…

A study of Israelis who attended vocational schools (9,788) and who attended general secondary schools (4,000) matched subject studied with current job and compared earnings. Vocational education proved more cost effective for non-college-bound students. Vocational students in jobs related to their schooling earned up to 10 percent more. (SK)

The cost effectiveness of an attempt to identify new clients eligible for Medicaid was evaluated. Most poor clients served by the health department were ineligible, and most potentially eligible clients did not complete the application process. The exercise cost twice as much staff time as the department could have recouped. (SLD)

Mandate Consultant is an expert system that assists in special education file review, to determine compliance with state and federal regulations regarding Individualized Education Program development. In this validation study, a secretary using Mandate Consultant produced reports 5 times more accurate and 20 times less expensive than reports…

Seven articles focus on child and adolescent mental health services, highlighting major evaluation issues, considering the contribution of evaluation to improvement of these services, and describing efforts to overcome distinctive problems in these areas. Policymakers and providers of services are optimistic about the use of evaluation of program…

Contracting for noneducational services is standard operating procedure in many school districts. Private contractors are involved in transportation, food service, maintenance, and even, in rare cases, instruction. Before deciding to contract out, school boards should examine improvement to school-run operations before making a final decision.…

Describes fiber optic technology and discusses its use in distance learning and educational reform. Highlights include the quality of communications transmission systems; costs; Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations; cable television; networks, including the National Research and Education Network (NREN); government versus…

Large numbers of problem youths are placed in homes and institutions by parents and the social service and juvenile justice systems. Such placement is costly and has adverse effects for the youths. Alternative home-based programs have been developed with high success rates and large cost savings. (BC)

This article explores the social impact of stimulant treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, focusing on intended effects on social behaviors, interpersonal relationships, social cognition, and self-perceived anger; potential emanative effects and untoward consequences; the need to map the attributional sequelae of…

Describes the growth of educational computer networks in three main categories: (1) networks for sharing peripheral equipment; (2) networks for exchanging information; and (3) networks for addressing instructional needs. The use of microcomputers and mainframe computers is examined, networks in public schools and universities are described, and…