American schools are failing because they are organized according to a bureaucratic, monopolistic model. A school voucher of $3,000 per student per year would give more families the option of sending their children to nongovernment schools. However, many people believe that such a small amount could not possibly cover tuition at a private school;…

This document presents findings of a study that reexamined the apparent consensus that real school spending has roughly doubled in the last quarter century. The study examined expenditures for nine school districts in 1967 and 1991, and focused on three measures of spending--shares of total expenditures, shares of net new spending in 1991, and…

Technology is often the driving force in the distance education movement, rather than the needs or educational problems that exist and need to be addressed. This paper considers the questions that should be asked before deciding that distance education is an appropriate solution to an education or training problem. The most successful distance…

Prepared as part of a state program review, this report presents results from a review undertaken of all agriculture and horticulture programs at Illinois public community colleges for fiscal year 1995. The first part focuses on the four agricultural programs reviewed: Agricultural Business and Management; Agricultural Production, Workers, and…

Created in 1990 by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Running Start (RS) program allows eleventh and twelfth grade high school students to take college-level courses tuition-free. In 1992-93, the first full year of statewide implementation, approximately 3,508 students participated in the program, while that…

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) operates under two main statutory charges: to administer state and federal programs, and to serve as the state's lead agent in implementing the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century. This report presents the results of a contracted program evaluation of the ODE. Data were collected through document…

This book, which is intended as a resource/reference guide for experienced financial managers and course planners, examines accepted methods and new approaches for using financial information in continuing education. The introduction reviews theory and practice, traditional and new methods, planning and organizational management, and technology.…

This guide for college teachers, written from a British perspective, focuses on economic and efficient practices for assessing students. The guide groups various practices under 10 major strategies: (1) decide whose interests assessment is serving; (2) avoid over-sampling the course; (3) avoid over-questioning; (4) avoid over-reading student work;…

The Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) reviews the effectiveness of many of the school district's special programs. In 1992-93, ORE reviewed 60 programs or program components. Cost effectiveness was calculated for 31 programs, using an achievement effect measure for 10, a dropout…

This report explores the application of cost analysis to testing and assessment in elementary and secondary schools. A case for economic analysis of testing is first outlined. The case rests on the importance on test information, the magnitude of resources devoted to testing, and the relevance of an economics of information model to testing…

This study explored the relationship between costs and benefits of supported (inclusionary) education practices as implemented in 10 schools in 9 Oregon school districts. Specifically, results are presented from a series of interviews conducted with special education directors and principals. Interviews explored administrators' perceptions…

This report describes the development of a project designed to enable new users of desktop publishing technologies to produce typeset documents which approach or match commercial quality standards. "Typesetting--A Tutorial for the Desktop Publisher" is a computer assisted instructional (CAI) program that provides students with an understanding of…

This document summarizes the deliberations of the Commonwealth Pacific Regional Workshop, which focused on the cost effectiveness of small schools. Advantages of small schools include equity for disadvantaged groups, opportunities for rural development, preservation of cultural traditions, and the potential for educational advantages. One task…

Amidst controversy over proposed school closings, Hereford and Worcester (England) local education authorities (LEA) asked for an evaluation of the effectiveness of six small rural "comprehensive" secondary schools (180-450 students) and their importance to surrounding communities. Data were collected on student achievement; teacher and…

A review of the Army's troop schools found that the internal control weaknesses in the program first reported over 10 years ago still existed. Expenditures were not justified. Most justifications reviewed were not based on assessed performance deficiencies of individual soldiers, as required, and none documented that troop schools were the most…