Alternatives to the normal detail bid specifications usually required for public institutions of higher education to purchase computer software are examined. It is suggested that the request for proposal method described offers the consumer a better understanding of individual software vendors' products. (Author/SF)

This article discusses how to use technology to collect, store, sort, and reformat assessment data on the school improvement process, explaining the use of desktop computers with databases and the use of portable devices in the assessment process. (SM)

The potential uses of microcomputers in evaluation research are discussed in this pamphlet. At the beginning, a matrix is provided showing the relationship between the steps in the evaluation research process and common types of computer software. Thereafter, the guide is organized sequentially around the evaluation research activities that are…

Ways a microcomputer can be used to establish and maintain an evaluation database and types of data management features possible on a microcomputer are described in this report, which contains step-by-step procedures and numerous examples for establishing a database, manipulating data, and designing and printing reports. Following a brief…

A primer for schools attempting to analyze the data they collect. Describes ways schools can get a better picture of how to improve learning by gathering, intersecting, and organizing four categories of data more efficiently: (1) demographic data; (2) student-learning data; (3) perceptions data; and (4) school-processes data. (WFA)

Characteristics of student financial aid systems are reported and a framework for evaluating student financial aid systems and classifying major data processing designs is presented. The goals of a student financial aid system are discussed, including improved service to students, increased utilization of available funds, compliance with…

This guide is intended to assist states and service delivery areas (SDAs) in addressing the new oversight responsibilities and opportunities stipulated by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) with respect to management information system (MIS) issues in evaluating JTPA programs. The first chapter discusses the general requirements of a JTPA MIS…

A system designed to evaluate investment in Ohio's vocational education programs is described in this monograph which also serves as the system manual. Major features emphasized are (1) the system enables calculation of rate of return and of present value of investment in the training of an individual in a vocational program, when education is…

This guide is intended to assist states and service delivery areas (SDAs) in addressing the new oversight responsibilities and opportunities stipulated by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) with respect to implementing net impact evaluations. The following topics are covered in the individual chapters: the objectives and major provisions of…

A framework for monitoring quality control (QC) of processor contracts administered by the Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) is presented and applied to the Pell Grant program. Guidelines for establishing QC measures and standards are included, and the uses of a sampling procedure in the QC system are…

The Bilingual Education Evaluation System was developed to help local bilingual education projects overcome evaluation obstacles and design sound, useful evaluations within the constraints of available funding and with responsiveness to current federal legislation and regulations. The evaluation system proposed involves a process component, an…

To augment the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials in the establishment of the highest standards and practices in school business administration, this manual provides an evaluation instrument of school business functions. Each of the 18 self-evaluation chapters is structured to be used independently and may be utilized in any…