Michigan has long advocated local control of education, a philosophy that particularly applies to purchasing school buses. To counter adverse legal actions stemming from noncompetitive bidding practices, the Michigan School Business Officials and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation collaborated to develop a comprehensive,…

Discussion of the way technology is changing the delivery of information services to students and teachers focuses on an assessment rubric designed to upgrade library services by focusing on library media specialists' responsibilities. Provides examples of use of the rubric in an elementary school and in a library consortium. (Contains 2…

With declining enrollments and budget limitations, it becomes more and more difficult for small rural schools to offer state-approved programs (often based on the "bigger is better" model of education). For many already consolidated districts, further consolidation is not a viable solution to the problem. Cooperative arrangements are…

The report assesses activities and programs of the Calgary Learning Centre, a research-demonstration approach serving learning disabled students in Calgary, Canada. Four major areas of concern are addressed: (1) diagnostic and assessment tests and/or other techniques, (2) remedial learning programs, (3) other associated programs including parent…

Small school systems can conduct effective research and evaluation programs by forming university-based consortia of school systems that perform these functions and share findings. Mississippi State University conducts such a task force program approach with member schools. (CJH)

A consortium of five school districts is formed to continue quality inservice with fewer funds through cooperation. (DCS)

Four small Connecticut school systems demographically different but similar in size have established a consortium to minimize the effects of declining enrollment by sharing their students, teachers, and resources. Despite such obstacles as scheduling and transportation costs, the consortium has generally proven successful. (JBM)

Describes a system of four separate but interdependent school-university consortia that have been developed as part of the special education department's reform and restructuring initiatives in a Florida university. The rationale for the consortia, barriers to their implementation, and their missions, activities, and governance structures are…

Describes the initial results of a survey sent to colleges and universities that was conducted to better understand the range and scope of collaborative computer networking activities between elementary and secondary schools and postsecondary institutions. Examples of statewide networks as well as local and regional consortia are described. (LRW)

Discusses work of the Educational Enterprise Zone, a consortium of educational providers who create programming for all levels of classrooms to be delivered via videoconferencing. Topics include the variety of teachers and learners in the community, facilitating access to technology, and enhanced learning through collaboration with community…

A literature review of studies on educational computer applications and use revealed that U.S. school districts have incorporated microcomputers into both their instructional and administrative processes. Apple and Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputers are the two most popular microcomputers used. Mathematics and language usage are most often…

National Institute of Education (NIE) staff members have developed a convening process characterized by collaborative meetings with experts to focus on specific problems of an educational organization. The process is intended to help combine research knowledge with practical experience in order to make informed decisions quickly. This document is…

Direct purchase of natural gas may help schools and universities avoid increases when price controls on new natural gas are removed. For an educational institution to take advantage of the new regulations, gas must be purchased and transportation arranged, either individually or through a consortium. (TE)

New Standards Project directors believe that U.S. educational system must educate all students to high standards. Type of test administered heavily influences classroom practice. New system, consisting of portfolios; performance-based matrix exam tasks, projects, and exhibitions; and work selected by districts, teachers, and students will extend…

Florida State University's Educational Leadership Consortium Specialist Degree program grew out of collaboration among 17 school districts and Florida State educational faculty. The program recruits practitioners from the 17 districts who demonstrated high leadership potential and wanted to develop their leadership capacity. ELC Specialist degree…