The literature on alternatives to student ratings as means of evaluating college teaching is reviewed. Conclusions focus on the validity and reliability of such alternatives as peer evaluation, administrative ratings, self-evaluation, direct measurement of student achievement, and systematic observation of teacher behavior. (Author/MLW)

It is contended that future prospects for higher education are brighter than many anticipate. Political inertia acts to keep public spending near previous levels, and even during "down periods" educational resources seldom decline. (Author/PHR)

A declining college-age population along with other factors will likely result in significant decreases in college enrollment in the 1980s, according to most projections. Sizable variations by state and type of institution are expected. The new students--adults, women, minorities--will probably not significantly alleviate the projected decline.…

The peculiar nature of the academic market is examined in the face of a bleak demographic situation in higher education. The benefits and risks that the marketing movement may carry for the system, the intellectual tradition, and the students, are discussed. (Author/PHR)

A five-scale instrument developed from a theoretical model of college attrition correctly identified the persistence/voluntary withdrawal decisions of 78.5 percent of 773 freshmen in a large, residential university. Findings showed that student relationships with faculty were particularly important. (Author/PHR)

Third in a series of professional memoirs by leaders in higher education, Earl J. McGrath, Director of Liberal Studies at the University of Arizona, recounts personal influences on his professional development. Of special importance were his experiences as Commissioner of Education, as a researcher and writer, and in the founding of Eisenhower…

The Higher Education Research Institute studied the impact of Exxon Foundation grants from the Resource Allocation and Management Program (RAMP) at 49 private colleges to determine if and how college planning and financial stability were affected by changes in management techniques. Rules for supporting innovations at various phases of a project's…

Strategies for initiating employee alcoholism and assistance programs in higher education institutions are considered. Barriers to faculty utilization of such programs include visibility of work performance and nature of supervision. Modes for adapting existing program designs to higher education are suggested. (Author/JMF)

A study of college faculty evolution at Colgate University using a computer simulation model demonstrates how such a model can be used in planning and policy development. The potential effects of changes in retirement and tenure policies at Colgate and their ramifications for the affirmative action program are discussed. (Author/JMF)

Research on training programs for university teaching assistants (TA) is reviewed to assess their impact. Empirical data are analyzed in terms of TA variables (measures of TA's knowledge, attitudes, and observed teaching behavior) and student variables (student achievement, attitudes, and ratings of instruction). Implications for educational…

Content analysis of American government textbooks published in the post-McCarthy and post-Watergate eras demonstrates that, although underlying interpretations of constitutional issues remained constant, the overall textbook presentations shifted. This finding highlights the danger of overemphasizing current events, distorting overall presentation…

Evaluation of nontraditional educational programs and individual achievement is discussed in terms of three components: process-environment, objectives, and evaluation. The combinations of these components in traditional and nontraditional orientations are each presented and examined as possible models for measurement of educational outcomes. (JMF)

The use of student classroom rating data to assist with salary, tenure, and/or promotion decisions is explored. The data can become an important aspect of such decisions, but only after very careful development and negotiation. (JMF)

The thesis is presented that the late 1970s and early 1980s represent a plateau between two periods of high energy and a sense of mission in community colleges. Ideals that once sparked enthusiasm and a sense of common purpose have receded, and new ideals have not emerged to take their place. Survey literature supports this thesis. (MSE)

University-based review of international research centers, especially area studies centers, is encouraged. The issues are: What are the objectives of area research? According to insiders, what have been the main achievements? And what are some of the main problems and opportunities facing the centers now? (MSE)