Following a brief critical review of the federally sponsored student loan system, this paper develops fundamental principles for overhauling the system and creating an Educational Credit Trust. This federally chartered corporation would determine lender eligibility requirements, monitor lenders' financial performance, and sanction student loan…

Four different views of quality in higher education are examined: faculty, student, resource, and outcomes. A recent study that incorporated each of these views is introduced in order to reexamine the merits and limitations of each perspective. Actions colleges and universities can take to improve program quality are suggested. (Author/MLW)

The so-called binary system of postsecondary education in Australia, a subject of recent criticism, is found to be less a matter of concern than the related funding issues and concern for equitable support of all sectors. (MSE)

This study attempts to understand educational priorities through an investigation of budget choices made by 46 Oregon school districts. Two-thirds of the sample districts did not experience stringent fiscal constraint; the remainder showed budget allocation patterns favoring instruction at the expense of administrative and other areas. Includes 20…

In 1984, the Utah legislature enacted a career ladder bill encouraging all local districts to develop plans for restructuring teachers' compensation and promotion options. An independent, bipartisan taskforce then created a statewide, decentralized model that increases educators' power, minimizes merit and staff differentiation, and fosters…

Describes how school financing has changed over the past 10 years, including a discussion of the implication of student enrollment decline. Presents statistics on student distribution, per-pupil expenditures, teacher salaries, school funding, students per microcomputer, and the mean Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. (MD)

Describes recent political developments that have focused national attention on education. Outlines ways in which educators can capitalize on the current interest in education and involve themselves in politics and policy making. (KH)

The nature of fast-track construction scheduling is described, the qualities and resources related to superior construction management performance are discussed, and the types of contract alternatives available are examined. (MSE)

Presents findings from a national survey measuring the public's response to academic reform in secondary schools. Results show the public supports improvement of academic standards but also wants the existing structure and organization of schools to be maintained. Includes four tables. (MD)

The technology is available (and economically feasible) for carrying out massive national inservice programs of educational techniques that could improve education. Describes the work of the National Diffusion Network and outlines the possibility of developing a dedicated satellite education network. (MD)

Describes how parents of the Southwest Elementary School (Waterford, Connecticut) were successful in developing relations with local businesses to help raise funds for enrichment programs in their school. Their success led to more involvement on the part of community businesses with the entire school district. (MD)

Describes how the small Tiskilwa (Illinois) school district used a United States Department of Energy grant to replace and block windows and insulate the attic in the elementary school. Describes savings in dollars and energy resulting from the energy audit and technical assistance phases of the project. (SB)

School districts need valid and reliable information before they make difficult decisions. Objective research can provide a reliable base of information. (MD)

This report provides information on the educational telecommunications market. Its articles cover a wide array of applications and issues, including online services, funding for the development of statewide telecommunications networks, education-related Internet projects and products. The trends detailed in the report, and the vendors and products…

This toolkit helps community-based organizations create a community guide to the school budget, demystifying school finance for citizens and engaging them in the process of using the school budget as a tool for school improvement. It explains the major steps organizations have used in their own initiatives, offering advice and examples of tools.…