This article discusses the uses of production function models and describes the role of inferential statistics for making predictions in school finance. Specifically, the analysis evaluates types, suggests uses, explains the advantages and disadvantages, and lists the statistical complexities of production functions. (JAM)

Examines the advantages of geodemography (the study of population characteristics within a geographic context) and predictive statistical modeling for college student recruitment, and describes a new College Board service combining the strengths of the two approaches with its education-specific data collected from college-bound students. (MSE)

Presents three different, complementary statistical models for predicting faculty tenure dynamics, using data from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts). The difference equation model exactly describes future behavior but requires complete specification. The Markov-chain model can predict the full life-cycle of tenure from initial age…

Admissions practices at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a residential high school for gifted students, were examined. Data from students applying in 1983 and 1984 (over 800 per year) were available, as were grades of students admitted in 1983. A series of multiple regression studies showed that selection and first year grades…

A procedure for smoothing proportions of a double-entry expectancy table is described. The product is a nomograph from which can be read expectancies from combinations of values of two predictor variables. Use of the procedure in admission of first-year college students, based on students' high school class rank and standardized test composite…

A quantitative method developed at Stanford University that addresses programmatically the short- and long-term needs of the college physical plant is discussed. The approach allows the administrator to accurately assess funding resources for the maintenance program in conjunction with academic and construction programs. A special task force at…

Examples of the use of a mathematical model to evaluate the future renewal and replacement, or maintenance requirements, of the college physical plant are provided. The model, which was developed at Stanford University, simulates actual conditions at a specific location and allows resource allocation to be based on a definable quantitative base.…

Revenue forecasting is the critical first step in most college and university budget-planning processes. While it seems a straightforward exercise, effective forecasting requires consideration of a number of interacting internal and external variables, including demographic trends, economic conditions, and broad social priorities. The challenge…

A manual on sampling is presented to assist audit and program reviewers, project officers, managers, and program specialists of the U.S. Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). For each of the following types of samples, definitions and examples are provided, along with information on advantages and disadvantages: simple random sampling,…

This report forecasts changes in the education system of the province of Ontario to assist educators responsible for managing changes in the next decade. The report is arranged in three sections, each accompanied by tables and figures. Section 1, "Quantitative Perspectives on the Future of Ontario School Boards through 1996," by Tom…

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the perceptions of Cypriot teachers on the management of small primary schools. From the wide range of issues identified in the literature, seven areas were chosen for examination: management and leadership; teachers in small schools; advice and support; pupils in small schools; curriculum and…