Newly developed electronic data interchange (EDI) standards for exchanging academic records between colleges and universities are explained. It is argued that implementation of the new standards in college registrar and admissions offices can improve speed, costs, and accuracy and provide a prototype for a variety of campus business applications.…

Criticizes the state of educational economics through a review of "Economics of Education: Research and Studies" (G. Psacharopoulos, ed.) and "The Economics of Education and the Education of an Economist" (M. Blaug). Charges that educational economists have ignored external challenges and devastating technical and conceptual…

The University of Denver (Colorado) reduced workers' compensation losses 97 percent in 1990-91 by developing a master safety plan, sponsoring safety training, managing medical costs, providing modified duty for injured employees, screening applicants, orienting new employees, investigating claims thoroughly, performing life-safety audits, and…

The University of Maryland at Baltimore's 12-month graduate program in general dentistry focuses on comprehensive care and treatment planning in a simulated group practice environment. To achieve its goal of self-support, the program solicits training grants from international corporations, generates income from clinical facilities, encourages…

The traditional college student personnel services model must be streamlined for efficiency and effectiveness. Common problems include poor advice and counseling for students, inflexible staffing patterns, and uncoordinated policy making. Pratt Institute (New York) followed a four-phase process of redesigning policies and procedures, reorganizing,…

Describes a study of college freshmen that investigated the effects of navigation maps and learner cognitive styles on performance in searches for information, on cognitive map development, and on attitudes, within a hypertext learning system. Results indicate map type has significant effects on students' search steps, efficiency, and development…

Discusses the implementation and use of computer-assisted learning in a traditional university physics course at Keele University (England), its effect on traditional course structure, and the effective use of academic staff time. Highlights SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), based on distance learning principles that permit self-paced…

The American Association of School Administrators' partnership with Compaq, the world's second-largest computer manufacturer, aims to improve American school districts' efficiency and effectiveness. The program features a Promising Model Recognition program for pioneering districts, an "office of tomorrow" prototype, and a members-only…

One of a series of articles on principles of good practice in legal education, this article focuses on the importance of spending time and energy for efficient learning. Discusses ways to optimize student time on task, faculty time on task, institutional time on task, and the overall time and attention devoted to teaching and learning within legal…

As part of a broader trend to cut costs and remain affordable, many private colleges are keeping tuition increases to a minimum. Institutions are cutting operating expenses and reducing financial aid, while trying to raise faculty salaries and install new technology. Nonetheless, many of the smaller tuition hikes still outpace inflation. (MSE)

Reports on two studies. The first, a brain-imaging study evaluating brain-processing differences between high- and low- performing middle-school students attempting a spatial visualization task, establishes the connection between brain-processing patterns and task-learning efficiency. The second study, involving 33 women graduate education majors,…

A dozen schools in Colorado opened their doors to professional performance auditors to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency. The audit reports recommended finding precise costs of functions, programs, and operations; minimizing duplication; and increasing accountability. (MLF)

Statistical sources demonstrate negative effects on educational spending in Canada in the 1990s, due to policies adopted in response to a severe recession and ballooning federal and provincial deficits. Massive restructuring (centralization and district consolidation) is occurring to increase efficiency. Retrenchment will probably be completed by…

Examines the invention of school effectiveness as a specific curriculum and pedagogical discourse that has captivated researchers, policymakers, and politicians. Considers school-effectiveness research methodology, politics, and underlying epistemological assumptions. Explores the dilemmas confronting inclusive education research. The concepts of…

Builds on a "fifth level of elucidation" concerning what influences educator morale, job satisfaction, and motivation. Compares findings from two UK studies involving elementary schoolteachers and academics. For each group of educators, six issues mattered: equity and justice, pedagogy, organizational efficiency, interpersonal…