Despite widespread enthusiasm, evidence of the effectiveness of learning analytics remains mixed. One possible explanation for this is that insufficient attention has been paid to the contexts in which it is introduced. We report here on a small-scale study into the prior use of data and communications technologies by tutors, who comprise a key…

This report summarizes how school and district leaders and academic coaches in two Texas school districts used assessment and other types of data to assess the quality of teaching and learning, to coach and supervise teachers, and to guide management decisions. The report also describes how district and school leaders supported teachers' use of…

This guide is intended to assist planners in developing and using labor market and occupational information when assessing the need for and planning occupational training programs. The first chapter discusses the responsibilities of various federal, state, and local entities for developing labor market information. Special attention is given to…

Examines the nature and accomplishments of social policy research and provides general suggestions for improving information flow to particular areas. The author maintains that the majority of policy research has been carried out in education and has been less successful than it might be due to insufficient feedback systems. (Author/DB)

Argues that information management calls for development of an organizational strategy that encompasses users, information resources, and the available and appropriate technology. Discussion of factors involved includes the nature of information and information resources, variance in information usage, and guidelines for developing a strategy to…

One of a series of instructional booklets designed to introduce adult education program planners to the basic concepts integral to and alternative strategies for conducting needs assessments, this instructional booklet deals with determining how to interpret information. Described first is the relationship of the process of determining how to…

In 1974, Congress, recognizing the difficulty individuals have in obtaining information on bilingual education, mandated the establishment of a national clearinghouse on bilingual education. This paper was sent to people involved in bilingual education as background material for a series of six conferences on the development of such a…

The types and functions of the agencies needing occupational information for use in career counseling vary greatly. For example, career and guidance counseling is often supplied by a wide variety of individuals, including general education teachers, rehabilitation counselors, employment service counselors, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act…

This guide provides planners with the essential tools and methods of labor market analysis for planning local occupational programs. An introduction discusses responsibility for development of labor market information (LMI) and guide development. Chapter 1 is a brief checklist of the steps involved in developing and using LMI in program planning.…

The concepts of need and needs assessment are examined in the context of information needs for college administrators. A description is included of the conceptual framework underlying the Needs Assessment Information System (NAIS), which was developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. Attention is directed to: (1)…

Describes a needs assessment conducted at Oregon State University libraries to guide the design, content, and development of a natural resources digital library. Highlights include user profile; identification of questions; face-to-face interviews; workshops with users; current sources for relevant information; users' information needs; ability to…

A study examined the extent to which Virginia Professional Development System (VPDS) components met practitioner needs and the degree to which they constituted an inquiry-based professional development system. Interviews with over 50 Virginia Institute for Lifelong Learning (VAILL) participants focused on their use of the Centers for Professional…

Students who reside off-campus at North Carolina State University were surveyed in 1973 to determine their attitudes toward university policies, programs, and services. Of the 372 randomly selected students, 153 responded. Information is presented about the following areas: participation in university services, participation in university student…

This study sought to determine which sources of information were most often used by the West Virginia public higher education governing board, and to assess the sources' usefulness in examining major higher education policy issues. Data were based on a mailed survey that asked members of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia state college…

This monograph is designed to provide nontechnical users, including policymakers, program planners, curriculum developers, career counselors, and job development and placement specialists, with an introduction to applied labor market analysis of local conditions. Addressed in the individual chapters of the guide are the following topics: the…