The "Forum Guide to Metadata" presents and examines the ways in which metadata can be used by education agencies to improve data quality and promote a better understanding of education data. Supported by metadata-related case studies from state and local education agencies, the guide highlights the uses of metadata from a technical point…

The authors discuss the long-term accumulation of unstandardized and inaccessible content within the Libguides system and the decision-making process to create and implement a set of standards using the migration to the LibGuides2 platform as a vehicle for change. Included in the discussion are strategies for the creation of standards and…

Florida's Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP) is a statewide system linking the administrative databases of certain state and federal agencies to collect follow-up data on former students or program participants. The databases that are collected include those of the Florida Department of Corrections; Florida Department of…

This guide presents an introduction to the basics about data collection and discusses the uses of data in daily work. The emphasis is on youth programs in Indiana, but the information is useful for programs in other states. Ways in which program planners and advocacy activists can use data are described, and local, state, and national resources…

This guide addresses the role of online searching in school library media centers. The first section reviews the literature in the area and presents guidelines for planning and implementing online access for students based on the experiences reported. This section lists 44 references. The second section summarizes the results of a 1986 survey of…

An inhouse accounting program can increase the productivity and efficiency of the school business office. Discusses basic questions regarding software, hardware requirements, training, and obtaining staff support and cooperation. (MLF)

Once a community college foundation is well established, an alumni program can be developed, although the focus should be on making contacts and gaining supporters rather than raising funds. The following steps can help establish a successful alumni program: (1) conduct a feasibility study on campus; (2) form a committee to establish program…

Designing, developing, and implementing an electronic document management system involves preparation. Areas to consider when facilitating technological change include staff input and business and customer needs and wants. Further discussion addresses value assessment of document type, providing a pilot system for staff experiment and practice,…

Provides a checklist of considerations for installing document image processing with an electronic document management system. Other topics include scanning; indexing; the image file life cycle; benefits of imaging; document-driven workflow; and planning for workplace changes like postsorting, creating a scanning room, redeveloping job tasks and…

The first of a series designed to advise school staff on the use of computers in the curriculum, this booklet outlines several ways that computers can fit into the program of study in Vermont schools and suggests a method for schools to use in planning for their use. Emphasis is on computers as tools to help reach traditional educational goals.…

Based in part on the work of three task forces, this report presents recommendations from the Phase II Statewide Automation Committee appointed in June 1987 to develop specific steps to implement the 20 recommendations in the library automation plan issued in May 1987, "Libraries and Technology: A Strategic Plan for the Use of Advanced…

Basic principles and techniques for constructing a student tracking system, either at the institutional or system level, are presented and illustrated. The design, development, and utilization of the LONESTAR (Longitudinal Student Tracking and Reporting) system are described. The system, which provides information on student achievement, program…

Efficient and convenient comprehensive information systems, long kept from coming into being by a variety of obstacles, are now made possible by the concept of distributive processing and the technology of micro- and mini-computer networks. Such systems can individualize instruction, group students efficiently, cut administrative costs, streamline…

Targeted to mental retardation/developmental disability (MR/DD) and vocational rehabilitation agencies, developmental disabilities councils, consumer and advocate groups, and protection and advocacy programs, this manual is designed to assist in the development of state-level data systems responsive to current accountability requirements. It also…

As required by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 (VATEA), a project was undertaken to develop an accountability system for New York State equity programs funded under sections 221 and 222 of the VATEA. This document profiles the resulting accountability system and serves as a guide for program staff…