In education, there is ample evidence that some schools far outperform others at raising student achievement even when accounting for differences in the students they serve and the resources at their disposal. Differences in the human capital stock of teachers across schools cannot fully account for the differential productivity across schools. In…

If productivity and earnings are not found to result from education, then an alternative theory could be that employers use education as a screening device to select employees. Employing the decomposition technique to compare income for self-employed and private sector employees, evidence is presented that rejects the screenist theory. (Author/MD)

Although rising costs of higher education have made most college and university leaders defensive, educators should gather more facts to inform policymakers and the public of the advantages offered by the U.S. higher education system. Highly productive in economic and social terms, it has breadth and depth, and its contribution to economic growth…

Provides a review of research on the contribution of education to the organization and productivity of a nation's resources. Focuses on what is known about the particular contribution of higher education to U.S. economic growth. Discusses the relationship between earnings and additional schooling. Concludes that increased education probably has…

Discusses a study that explored the connection between social investments in higher education and economic production. Reports that government spending on higher education stimulates the private economy better than other government spending. Concludes that higher education expenditures on organized research produce long lasting, favorable effects…

Discusses "Choices & Changes," a program designed to reshape the way young people think about their choices. Suggests that economic education can show students that they possess meaningful skills and knowledge and can improve both. Examines program goals, themes, outcomes, and philosophical issues. (DK)

Providing teacher background on the concepts of productivity and capital goods, this document presents 3 teaching units about these ideas for different grade levels. The grade K-2 unit, "How Do They Do It?," is designed to provide students with an understanding of how physical capital goods add to productivity. Activities include a field trip to…

This report covers the University of Akron's impact on the income, employment, credit availability, governments, and individuals within the community in which the school is located--Summit County, Ohio. Presented is evidence of the impact, as measured by the American Council on Education economic impact model, of the university on its service…

To help administrators understand the organizational, social, and ideological forces impeding their efforts to empower teachers, this paper provides three critiques of teacher empowerment proposals from functionalist, structural Marxist, and poststructural perspectives. Although the 1980s reform reports promote a type of empowerment that accords…

The mission of the university is to increase human capital in all its dimensions, or value added to human capital through production of valid knowledge. Education and research are by-products, representing learning and discovery. Teaching is a distribution process within education. Distribution of research occurs through products such as public…

Educational reform depends more on clearly defined missions and operational efficiency than on improved teacher quality. This article defines adequacy, equality, equity, and efficiency; examines numerous production function studies of teacher characteristics and policy and administrative structures; and summarizes seven policy implications.…

If competitiors of the United States are making superior products and distributing them more effectively throughout the world, it may be because they are educating workers and managers in ways that create superior skills and discipline. Some U.S. educators agree with businessmen who point to Japan as a model that the United States should strive to…