This review of the concept learning literature indicates that the greater effectiveness of field-independent learners is related to memory efficiency and the ability to conduct combinatorial analysis. Short-term memory and free recall studies suggest factors contributing to the less efficient memory of field-dependent learners. (Editor/SJL)

The validity of using the Revised Denver Developmental Screening Test (RDDST) was investigated by testing 199 preschool children (ages 3-4) and reviewing the results 6 months later. Results indicated that the RDDST was an efficient prognostic tool in predicting formal assessment results for children at risk for language impairments. (CR)

Uses cost, financial sources, and student achievement data from Philippine primary schools (financed primarily from central sources) to discover if financial decentralization leads to more efficient schools. Schools that rely more heavily on local sources (contributions from local school boards, municipal government, parent-teacher associations,…

Studies costs and effectiveness of educational foundations and examines the broader legal, economic, political, and social implications of private fund raising for today's schools. School foundations report various fund-raising techniques, have little overhead, and try to return the money raised to the schools. The average amount raised by most…

As Internet 2 takes shape, the university administrators and researchers behind it are taking care to address the political and economic challenges experienced by the original Internet. The new, privatized system will be faster and more powerful, but some fear privatization has shifted the balance of power toward profit-making instead of meeting…

By viewing individual communication services (voice, data, cable) as strategic tools in a communication infrastructure, Boston College (Massachusetts) was able to create an electronic communication environment with superior services at drastically reduced cost. The system provides voice, data, and cable access to every residence hall room,…

Describes 20/20 analysis procedures (which uses the 20th and 80th percentiles to identify students at the margins who need adapted instruction). Also examines cross-categorical programming, costs, needs for efficiency, accountability, and labeling. A methodology using computerized, multiyear 20/20 analyses to estimate school effectiveness…

Described are methods which can be used by developing countries to affordably obtain the energy without ruining the environment. The approaches mix efficient end-use technologies with modest increases in generating capacity. (CW)

The study compared the effectiveness and efficiency of constant time delay and the system of least prompts in teaching sight words to three developmentally delayed preschoolers. Results indicated that the constant time delay procedure resulted in fewer total trials, errors, percent of errors, and minutes of direct instructional time. (Author/DB)

The University of Nebraska Lincoln has developed a process for nonacademic program review based on the criteria used for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This framework provides seven categories of specific criteria that can be applied in institutional self-study to determine the organization's ability to satisfy customers and remain…

Common objectives of Australian and American higher education institutions are noted, particularly emphasis on access and inclusion and the promotion of higher quality education. It is proposed that more extensive use of new information technology is a key to meeting these objectives more effectively and efficiently. (MSE)

Saint Mary's College (Maryland) is a small state liberal arts institution that has extensive control over its budget, property and assets, and decisions about borrowing money. These conditions, in effect since 1992, affords it substantial freedom from regulation, efficient spending, and greater opportunity to fulfill its mission as an honors…

Kent State University (Ohio) has focused on developing an organizational culture that expects and promotes quality. A college finance division statement, distributed to division staff, identifies its values and beliefs and emphasizes a culture in which planning, empowerment, and continuous improvement are key elements. (MSE)

Organizers of auctions, fairs, rummage sales, and other fund-raising events at schools and colleges offer suggestions for making sales run smoothly, avoiding burnout, and complying with the law. These include ideas for improving efficiency, using volunteers effectively, making changes to accommodate new situations and conditions, and addressing…

A school board member guides a tour of what is available for organizing school executives' schedules. Describes time-planner notebooks, computer software, and various academic and commercial online databases. Sidebars list the programs and products mentioned, discuss online services, and describe using a time-management planner in campaigning for…