Just what is meant by a "Best Practice"? A best practice is a procedure, a process, or a system, adopted by best performing districts, which has a noticeable long-term positive impact on the strategic objectives of the Procurement organization. The concept of "best practices" is a fluid one. As technology, regulations and…

Relates experiences in selecting and implementing a word processor in Technical Information Services Office of Institute for Defense Analyses. Highlights include needs assessment; selecting the system (system functions, vendor reputation); recommendation and justification; implementation plan (training, developing procedures, catalog cards,…

A mainframe computer installed at a school district had all information online within a 24-month period. The key elements to success were adequate research and staff input, open communication, exemplary training, and a data-processing staff that made site visits to help with hardware or software problems. (MLF)

In response to an official request for information and evaluation of solid waste production and management at California's public colleges and universities, this study examined existing conditions and barriers to solid waste reduction and recycled product procurement, and suggested assistance strategies. The examination found that these…

Based on the experiences of the Boston Public Schools (BPS), this document offers guidance in the organization and development of a system-wide approach to an extensive expansion of computer technology. The following topics and steps in the process are addressed: identifying the present status of a school system's computer education program;…

This paper examines the use of subsidy programs as a payment strategy for assistive devices for individuals with disabilities. The paper defines subsidies, classifies and describes these programs, and identifies commonalities and differences among varied models. Program models include: (1) competitive subsidies offered by private, nonprofit…

This paper presents a descriptive review of how the Provost's Office of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) implemented 330 microcomputers in the 34 academic departments from July 1984 through June 1986. The decision to implement stand-alone microcomputers was based on four concerns: increasing…

In 1995-96, the Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools' enterprising superintendent allocated most of the district's central-services funds (about $20 million) to schools. Schools may purchase services and products from the district or outside vendors and commit any amount on building-level program expenditures. Central cost-recovery strategies are…

The second in a series on educational computing for teachers and administrators, this booklet offers a checklist for use in making decisions about program development, 11 case studies illustrating how teachers in Washington state have initiated programs, and a collection of articles on various aspects of educational computing programs. The…

Describes TECH CORPS, a nonprofit organization of information systems professionals in 36 states who train teachers, set up school computer labs, and advise about hardware and software purchases. Discusses industry sponsorship; grassroots leadership; and TECH CORPS involvement with both state projects (Hawaii, West Virginia, Washington, DC, New…

This two-part document describes the development of a word processing instructional program at NEKA Vo-Tech School (Kansas) and offers recommendations for incorporating word processing into the curriculum. Program development steps which are discussed include: assessing community needs; developing implementation phases; contacting other…

A 1982 survey of school superintendents provided much of the material for this discussion of the educational applications of microcomputers and other technologies, and for planning and developing these applications in schools. Chapter I is an interview with David Moursund, an educational computing expert who discusses issues and trends in school…