A survey of 145 schools found that all had experimented with innovative purchasing approaches. Many used electronic methods, such as credit-card, fast-track requisition (most popular), bidding and purchasing, and data interchange. Results suggest that nonelectronic innovations (just-in-time, cooperative, direct, and consortium leverage purchasing)…

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)

At the request of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, this investigation identified state and local school food authorities' (SFA) management and operating practices recognized as best practice by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) or other officials. In addition, the study determined whether some of these practices could be…

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;…

Guidelines for purchasing computers and for curriculum planning are offered as a beginning for educators interested in computers. The first section includes eight steps to take in planning for a computer, a chart of a microcomputer infusion model, an article on rating the microcomputers, and guides to understanding the rating factors and computer…

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…

This report of the Technical Assistance Study provided to the Smithville Public Schools by the Technology Lighthouse of the Merrimack Education Center offers information for use in planning computer technology applications over a 3-year period. It provides specific guidelines and criteria for planning and development, equipment considerations,…

Designed to assist administrators in making intelligent decisions about microcomputer selection, this nontechnical guide provides information in three areas: how, where, when, and why to use a microcomputer; what questions to ask about software and hardware; and what terminology to use. It provides a framework for answering six questions the…

A nationwide mail survey was conducted of 400 randomly-selected schools in the 50 states to investigate the decisions made by schools in implementing microcomputer instruction and the procedural planning systems developed by schools to integrate microcomputer instruction into the program. An introduction, statement and explanation of the problem,…

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…

This paper discusses some of the significant issues that school districts, superintendents, principals, board members, and faculty will have to face in the acquisition and implementation of educational hardware and software. Strengths and weaknesses of various computer configurations are presented and it is suggested that the use of professional…

Based on a doctoral dissertation that involved a study of the nation's 100 most successful school computer systems, this report summarizes the study's purpose, scope, methodology, resultant model, general observations, and future implications. The model is divided into two major sections: (1) strategic planning activities, focusing on computer…

Intended for use by local school district staff, this manual provides step-by-step guidelines for planning and implementing the incorporation of computer-based instruction in the curriculum. Procedures involved in five phases of planning and implementation are outlined, covering: (1) preliminary planning, where schools should establish planning…

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…

Designed to help school districts move from exploring the use of computers in the classroom to the comprehensive planning and development of computer education programs, this guide is organized around five steps essential to the process of developing a district program. Phase 1 includes the following preliminary activities involved in planning for…