Data on college bound students from several suburban Philadelphia communities were statistically analyzed, and it was found students could be grouped according to the characteristics of the institutions they applied to, in no more than eight stable choice sets. Implications for policy formation are discussed. (MSE)

The Biglan model of classification of academic subject areas is outlined, and its practical implications and uses by administrators for faculty evaluation are discussed. The reasons for applying subject-area standards in faculty productivity studies are examined. (MSE)

In assessing the feasibility of a funding formula for Kansas state institutions, information was gathered on similar institutions in other states pertaining to academic program, locale, enrollment, and expenditure patterns. Results were produced that are credible by three tests and respond effectively to some issues concerning the funding process.…

A faculty evaluation system that classified performance factors within a hierarchy and weights each, producing a final composite set for each faculty member, is explained and illustrated. The process is recommended for more objective and consistent decision-making about faculty tenure. (MSE)

The development, characteristics, statistical findings, and utility of a faculty salary model used for three years in a diversified higher education system are reported. The model was developed in response to needs to deal with salary equity litigation, make interinstitutional salary comparisons, and better understand factors determining salaries.…

A linear programing approach is applied to college cost information to suggest optimal tuition increases under some broad policy constraints concerning consistency of the rates. Factors such as balance of credit hour and per-student charges, and differentiation by program and other student groupings, are considered. (MSE)

The relationship between the ratings college teachers receive from student evaluations and the seniority and instructional experiences of these teachers is investigated. The associations found between academic rank and global evaluations have generally been positive only and a possible explanation for this is offered. (Author/MLW)

A questionnaire was distributed to 456 post-secondary institutions offering preservice teacher preparation programs in 27 rural states. Of the 208 institutions responding, 21 offered specialized programs for teachers planning to work in rural areas. Of the suggested 26 preservice curriculum components, 14 were offered in over half the institutions…

In a survey of 304 teachers selected randomly from Alaska's rural schools, significantly fewer teachers in Native communities thought students would attend or graduate from college or could achieve at or above national norms. Many Native leaders view these attitudes as evidence that prejudiced attitudes create school failure among Native children.…

The Test of Auditory Comprehension of Language was used to evaluate language comprehension of Chicano and Anglo kindergarten children in rural Wyoming. Children were tested upon entering kindergarten and after 20 weeks of regular instruction. Both groups made significant gains; Anglo children did significantly better than Chicanos on both tests.…

A sample of 42 post-secondary, educational re-entry women completed questionnaires focusing on background status, role dynamics, and satisfaction with their re-entry experience. Results showed no differences between students in a vocational program and those in a traditional, academic program. Role-dynamic variables--but not background-status…

The educational potential of agriculture stems from the diversity and tangibility of its components. As a science based human activity, it may provide the educator with a unique combination of educational opportunities in a context which is authentic and accessible to the pupil and to the teacher. (JHZ)

In many states renewed attempts at school reorganization may be the sole policy response to solving the rural school improvement issue. Reorganization should be resisted because benefits of reorganization are mixed, good rural schools have many strengths, and the demise of rural schools will damage the infrastructure of rural America. (JHZ)

A study of 150 rural teachers assessed the effect of teaching practices on elementary students' improvement in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning good nutrition. Significant findings indicated that teachers using fewer traditional activities had students who performed better. Number of nontraditional activities used had no relationship…

Presents strategies developed for a National Science Foundation grant to improve rural science education by helping rural teachers design an action plan for instructional improvement based on their ideals and goals coupled with a realistic assessment of their teaching situation including the strengths and weaknesses of the rural setting. (JHZ)