In this paper, we look at the inner workings of a school district through the lens of the "district operating system (DOS)," a set of interlocking mutually-reinforcing modules that includes functions like procurement, contracting, data and IT policy, the general counsel's office, human resources, and the systems for employee and family…

Every sector of the U.S. economy is working on ways to deliver services in a more customized manner. If all goes well, education is headed in the same direction. Personalized learning and globally benchmarked academic standards (a.k.a. Common Core) are the focus of most major school districts and charter school networks. Educators and parents know…

In this paper, we propose a conceptual and operational framework for process reengineering (PR) in higher education (HE) institutions. Using a case study aimed at streamlining exam scheduling and distribution in a distance learning (DL) unit, we outline a sequential and non-linear four-step framework designed to reengineer processes. The first two…

"Extending Virtual Access: Promoting Engagement and Retention through Integrated Support Systems" focuses upon expanding the scope of on-line instructional delivery to include academic support systems critical to ensuring that virtual learning environments are inclusive, accessible, instructive, and responsive to changing student needs.…

A literature review describes evaluation activities in mental health services in financial, programmatic/clinical, and new constituency areas. Expanding reimbursement for alternative mental health services is offered as a way of developing a formal structure to ensure better utilization of evaluation results. (SLD)

This article draws on two projects funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation concerning the ways colleges and universities can support the legitimate sharing of digital learning resources for scholarly use. The 2001-03 Visual Image User Study (VIUS) assessed the scholarly needs of digital image users-faculty, staff, and students. That study led to…

The purposes of large-scale assessment and classroom assessment are often seen as distinct: Large-scale assessments, including school district, state, and national assessments, are directed at the formative and summative assessments of educational programs, while classroom assessments are focused primarily on the educational status or progress of…

This qualitative research study aimed to examine the nature of systems change and to identify practices and strategies that states, specifically New Hampshire, use to promote community integration and deinstitutionalization of people with developmental disabilities. The study describes the New Hampshire system, including state practices,…

Identifies the following basic issues involved in planning and implementing school-linked services: (1) planning; (2) targeting; (3) governance; (4) information systems; and (5) staffing. Effective planning requires a policy-minded team of equals from various agencies. Strategies that community teams can use to address each issue are discussed.…

The paper describes the current use of technology by persons with disabilities, and examines ways to increase its use. Current use is analyzed for the following aspects: communication (including modified keyboards and adaptive switches), mobility and positioning (including orthotics), independent living (including telecommunications and robotic…

This final report focuses on the methodology and results of a feasibility study for the development of a statewide career information delivery system (CIDS) in Illinois. The study was conducted in four phases. Target Group Needs Analysis activities included more than a hundred interviews with representatives from prospective user groups, three…

Changing your Learning Management System (LMS) presents challenges not only to instructional faculty, but also to the students who depend on these systems to completely deliver or support their courses. In assessing the transition for students experiencing an upgrade in the campus LMS, a number of findings have real implications for developing a…

The current tripartite system of human services delivery (education, health, and social services) is unable to deal with children with multiple problems in an effective, coordinated way due to fragmentation, specialization, and complexity. Reorganizing the current system by linking or integrating services could provide many advantages, as…

A review of Florida's work force development (WD) system focuses on state-level entities and programs involved in providing job training services, workforce education services, and other services to help persons obtain and retain jobs. State-level WD entities consist of 10 state agencies and public-private partnerships, 2 primary state-level…

Reviews types of evaluation that may be applied to school-linked services; and discusses the needs for a range of evaluative strategies for program providers, policymakers, and funders. For some programs evaluation will be primarily descriptive, whereas for others a carefully designed outcome evaluation will be possible. (SLD)