Strategic planning enables colleges to direct discretionary dollars into high-impact areas that can enhance critical core activities, improving output. When the institution can disinvest financial resources in weak or noncritical core areas and redirect them through careful budgeting, it improves its chances for success. (MSE)

Offers colleges and universities some strategies when reallocation of funds is necessary. Discussion focuses on the use of facilitating teams to help department chairpersons, active promotion of reallocation in funding proposals, use of analytical databases in decision making, use of program audits, taxation policies, decentralization of decision…

This highly practical guide is grounded in the authors' experience setting up and running a successful professional development program to improve K-3 reading instruction. The book systematically describes how professional development works: how sessions are organized, what they contain, routines and procedures, and the roles of each participant.…

This guide to zero base budgeting (ZBB) offers information intended to be useful to those implementing this system in schools. Beginning with an explanation of zero base budgeting, the paper then enumerates the advantages of such a system. Zero base budgeting design is then explained as well as the assumptions that underlie the system. Suggested…

Preparation and use of a written plan can increase the chance that people will do what has been planned using the ways selected and specified during the planning process. Program implementation plans should include the following elements: a review of product objectives and strategies; a statement of activities involved in meeting product…

The primary assumption behind the development of this guide is that program managers, faced with the responsibility of designing and planning an educational program, or modifying an existing resource system, might profit from a better understanding of the nature of needs assessment. The first section of this guide presents an overview of needs…

Describes the benefits and how to set up a georeferenced information system that contains standard student demographic data, the geographical location of each student, selected geographic location descriptors, growth factors attached to various land sections, and land usage and zoning. (MLF)

Offers strategies for increasing library budgets, based on the pragmatic realities of funding decisions. Strategies discussed include: associating library needs with a more influential constituency; allowing service to deteriorate to intolerable levels; using influential patrons as spokesmen for the library; and appealing to funders' priorities…

Public school systems can adapt private sector strategies to make the most of their resources. The superintendent and the board should develop measurable objectives, agreed upon by the consumers and the producer, for delivering the product. Contracting with commercial companies can reduce costs while increasing services. (MLF)

A discussion of resource allocation for scientific research identifies the ethical principles underlying the present debate and begins to construct a framework for evaluating various resource allocation proposals. The intent is to promote greater consideration of the link between ethics and science resource allocations. (Author/MSE)

A survey of nonformal community education activities was conducted to determine specific use of media for identified educational and informational purposes. The results presented in this report are intended to provide resource information to professionals and paraprofessionals who ultimately may be employed in Learning Resource Center-Based…

A general model along with four illustrations is presented for the consideration of budgetary constraints in the setting of passing scores in instructional programs involving remedial action for poor test performers. Budgetary constraints normally put an upper limit on any choice of passing score. Given relevant information, this limit may be…

Presents a method for determining actual cost of a work-based training program. Includes a case illustration and outlines basic questions that must be answered to determine actual cost. (CH)

The process of comprehensive school planning is divided into seven stages: setting goals, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, brainstorming, focusing on limited goals, narrowing issues, choosing a plan of action, and evaluating progress. (JW)

Noting that the best public policies for children and families cannot be effective without sufficient funding to back them up, this budget guide seeks to help advocates learn the key elements to examine in state budgets. Focusing on the 2002-2003 budget cycle in Arizona, the report considers basic principles as they apply to policy related to…