Data-driven decision making, popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, is evolving into a vastly more sophisticated concept known as big data that relies on software approaches generally referred to as analytics. Big data and analytics for instructional applications are in their infancy and will take a few years to mature, although their presence is…

When the author and his colleagues last left Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Texas' Plano Independent School District in April 2008, both school districts were immersed in the long and labored advance toward becoming a fully matured data-driven operation, one that uses sophisticated technologies to gather data, sort and interpret it, and…

The authors describe the University of Central Florida's top-down/bottom-up action analytics approach to using data to inform decision-making at the University of Central Florida. The top-down approach utilizes information about programs, modalities, and college implementation of Web initiatives. The bottom-up approach continuously monitors…

Although the term data-driven decision making (DDDM) is relatively new (Moss, 2007), the underlying concept of DDDM is not. For example, the practices of formative assessment and computer-managed instruction have historically involved the use of student performance data to guide what happens next in the instructional sequence (Morrison, Kemp, &…

Learning analytics offers higher education valuable insights that can inform strategic decision-making regarding resource allocation for educational excellence. Research demonstrates that learning management systems (LMSs) can increase student sense of community, support learning communities and enhance student engagement and success, and LMSs…

Despite a decade of advocacy and advances in technology, data driven decision making remains an elusive vision for most high schools. This article identifies key data systems design needs and presents methods for monitoring, managing, and improving programs. Because of its continuing salience, we focus on the issue of tracking (ability grouping).…

The role of artificial intelligence expert systems in administrative issues in special education is examined. Mandate Consultant (MC) is one such system designed to provide a second opinion on the consistency of school officials' actions in implementing the Individualized Education Program team process. MC employs rules based on the Education For…

An overview of expert systems technology is presented with emphasis on its current and potential applications to the field of learning disabilities. Characteristics of some expert systems, including reasoning procedures, knowledge base content, and rationale and conclusions, are reviewed. Present applications in the diagnosis of learning problems…

Explores the role of computer technology in facilitating communication and problem solving among teachers within a school. Describes "Instruction CoPlanner," a software network package which takes a team of educators through a systematic process of planning, decision making, implementation, and evaluation. (DB)

Presents an overview of a computerized Decision Support System (DSS) for academic administrators. Following a discussion of its capabilities, the various components of a DSS are examined as well as the development tools needed. Examples follow of DSS in two universities, and various development and implementation issues are considered. (TE)

Project Impact, a support system for the administrative and instructional staff in the Onondaga-Madison BOCES schools, was designed to support a diagnostic-prescriptive approach in the classroom by providing the information the teacher needs in order to make instructional decisions. It consists of a series of computer programs with a large storage…

Examines various educational technology projects that regional laboratories supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) are undertaking. Highlights include innovative uses of instructional technology; tele-teaching using interactive audio conferencing; making informed decisions about technology; national teleconferences…

Data fuel the process of change. Schools and districts should have electronic data systems that store data and make it easy to extract useful information. School leaders and their staff have questions; they need answers. Their data, when stored in a suitable electronic data system, will help them construct better answers to their questions more…