The article reports preliminary observations on data from six colleges on application of a regression model to help explain observed differences in instructional efficiencies of specific curricula. A major finding was that the most efficient distribution of students is in the humanities and social sciences. Tentative explanations for this finding…

The Kentucky constitution's intent was to found a free system of common schools. Historically, local support for Kentucky public schools has left much to be desired. Taxpayer reluctance to support schools through local property taxation is exacerbated by state legislation overtly discouraging this approach. Efficiency is, therefore, impossible.…

A program at an inner-city community health center involving 20 family practice residents provided an educational intervention concerning the use of laboratory tests based on quality of care, not cost containment. During the program, the use of thyroid stimulating hormone test declined, while complete blood counts ordered did not. (MSE)

Advice is offered for making college alumni reunions fun and memorable, illustrated with anecdotes from various institutions. Suggestions include exciting opening activities, focusing on the particular habits or characteristics of a class, appealing to a variety of tastes, emphasizing class identity, savoring favorite campus traditions, and…

This study examined the efficiency of over 5,000 reading and mathematics screening tests specifically developed for assigning levels of the Stanford Achievement Test, 8th edition (SAT-8), to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Analysis found the screening tests more effective in assigning student levels for some SAT-8 subtests than for others. (DB)

College public relations professionals offer advice to make the most of a small staff. Ideas include effective use of available technology, media services, and student intern and worker skills; use of external services; carefully planned dissemination of information; staff training in media relations; and setting priorities. (MSE)

Improving South African higher education must be considered in the global context of social, environmental, and industrial dilemmas. The policy challenge is translating the academic dimensions of efficiency and effectiveness (teaching, research, productivity) into social dimensions (social, economic, political, industrial, environmental, health,…

Evaluates a peer counseling program aimed at helping first-year students use computers in the University of Newcastle economics department. The scheme has not harmed students' abilities to use computers and, in some cases, has improved their skill. The scheme is inexpensive and provides significant potential savings in staff and hardware costs.…

Recent literature on Brazilian educational finance has documented low expenditure levels and problems of efficiency, efficacy, and equity. This paper analyzes financial data from Bahia state "municipios" and examines revenue and expenditure trends to explain variations in financial commitment across "municipios." Local interest…

This article describes the cost-of-quality model used at El Camino College (California), which formally measures the costs associated with process improvement activities. A case study illustrates use of the model in evaluating a new process for reimbursing faculty and staff attending conferences. (DB)

Teachers dislike faculty meetings that seem time-consuming and pointless. Principals can help make faculty meetings more useful by holding meetings with a purpose, talking about teaching, planning meetings that fit teachers' needs, setting realistic agendas with printed time allotments, and ensuring that meetings begin on time and stay on track.…

This article argues that nearly all college and university business and facilities officers can find utility efficiency projects on campus that have at least a 20 percent rate of return on investment, and successfully incorporate them into budgets. These projects are generally more successful when plant operations can retain some or all of the…

It is noted that federal deregulation of the electrical utility industry will allow colleges and universities to buy electrical services from suppliers who provide the best reliability and cost combination. Considerations are examined for the following options: purchasing an existing electrical substation, building a new substation, using on-site…

Examines production and cost structures of 28 Turkish universities to estimate their economies of scale and scope. Estimates multiproduct cost functions for teaching and research, examining social, health, and engineering sciences departments across 186 college faculties. Average incremental and marginal costs are highest for graduate instruction…

Research that served as background to the study reported in EC 604 974 is described, specifically research on use of the system of least prompts and on the rapidity with which various strategies produce skill acquisition. Unresolved issues concerning use of the system of least prompts with small groups are also discussed. (JDD)