Palo

Summarized are the findings o _ an kme.xcan Institutes for Research (AIR) project to field test a data capture and dissemination system that would provide information for improving consumer protection in postsecondary education. Presented is a discussion of the methodology used, examples of consumer abuses cited in the literature, an analysis of consumer protection needs as described in the materials that were reviewed, and an explanation of ths present system of postsecondary educational governance in the context of consumer protection with a special emphasis on the means employed to determine institutional eligibility for federal financial assistance to,students. Criticisms of this system and suggestions for improving its consumer protection function are outline & In conclusion,_an assessment is presented of Ole possibilitiQs for change_vithin and among various elements of the postsecondary educational protection systems to enhance its effectiveness