A major reason for the paucity of usable data on the contributions and effectiveness of community colleges is that the definitions on which the data are based are imprecise. Colleges' contributions might be better understood if their functions were reconceptualized. The collegiate dimension of community colleges (i.e, that portion of the…

A directory on comparative data about higher education is presented. Descriptions are provided of a total of 50 reports/data collections concerning the following areas: comparative state information about state funding and expenditures for higher education; comparative state and institutional information about salaries of college faculty and…

This paper demonstrates the relationship between the concept of unidimensionality and direction of an item in a multidimensional space. The basic premise is that if items that measure in the same direction are combined to form a test, that test will meet the item response theory requirements of unidimensionality. This will be true even if the…

A review is provided of statewide and institutional data reflecting the magnitude and causes of the reverse transfer phenomenon. First, data from California, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota are presented, contrasting the numbers of students who transfer from two- to four-year colleges to the sometimes greater number of students…

This comparison of the effects of LOGO use with the use of teacher-directed problem-solving instruction, and with conventional mathematics instruction, focused on the problem-solving ability, basic skills achievement, and attitudes of junior high school learners. Students (N=97) in five seventh grade mathematics classes were systematically…

This case study analyzes and evaluates the administrative computer systems in the British Columbia public school organization in order to investigate the costs and benefits of computers, their impact on managerial work, their influence on centralization in organizations, and the relationship between organizational objectives and the design of…

This memorandum discusses a number of recommendations proposed for changes in the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). The Higher Level Assessment Study Group discussed ways to further MEAP testing goals: expand testing into additional subject areas, for every pupil, on a cyclical basis; set higher standards encouraging student…

The Tyler (Texas) Independent School District's Instructional Leadership System, which is based on the premise that effective leadership is the basis for the success of the instructional program, is described and evaluated in this report. The system is described in terms of administrative organization; management design; the system's basis in the…

To discover if there were differences in the influence-gaining behaviors of principals in schools of varying levels of instructional effectiveness, 9 of 19 urban schools involved in a school improvement project were selected for study. All the schools met the following criteria: involvement in the project for at least 1 year, employment of the…

A questionnaire was administered to 400 randomly selected four-year academic institutions to gather information about integration of print and nonprint materials, provision of media facilities, and degree of cooperation between audiovisual centers and libraries. Responses received from 266 institutions (67%) were subjected to the posteriori…

The scope of this study, which was designed to provide information for use in redesigning the interlibrary loan (ILL) system in New York State, was to provide an overview of the ILL structure and patterns in the state; collect and analyze statistical data on ILL in the state and evaluate the performance of the NYSILL (New York State Interlibrary…

A manual to help students analyze public policy issues in a systematic and well-informed way is presented, with emphasis on the conceptual, information-gathering, and analytical skills required. The text is intended for two major audiences: (1) introductory college-level courses in political science, public policy, or social science research; and…

The Institute of Family Studies has completed its fifth year of operation; its future development depends on a clear statement of government support backed by sufficient staff and financial resources. This report focuses on current operating difficulties, structure, and achievements and activities of the Institute during the 1984-85 fiscal year.…

The California State Department of Education conducted a special study of the condition of library media centers in the state's schools during the 1985-86 school year. Coordinated with a concurrent nationwide study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, this study surveyed a random sample of 1,560 elementary, intermediate, and secondary…

This three-part report addresses recent education reform issues. Part I summarizes education priorities, then describes education's administration, structure, and financing. Part II deals with education's development since 1981. The first section notes major education legislation. A second section presents major issues in the current reform…