Determining whether a state's young people are on track for a life of opportunity is a difficult task for governors and state leaders. States can be both awash in data and unable to easily access and use that data to inform policy. State longitudinal data systems that meaningfully connect workforce, higher education, K-12, and early childhood…

This article reports the results of a nationwide questionnaire survey of 1,104 Japanese higher education institutions conducted in late 2015 and early 2016. Its goal was to investigate the current status and issues related to the utilization and disclosure of educational information. A total of 248 institutions responded to the survey. Based on…

Since 2010, the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) has periodically administered the "Strong Foundations" survey, which documents the content, structure, and effective use of state postsecondary student unit record systems (PSURSs). This report highlights the results of the fourth administration of the survey,…

This report addresses two key questions about postsecondary student unit record data systems (PSURSs): (1) What data are collected by various parties; and (2) how do these entities use the data to inform policy decisions? This 2016 report is both a follow-up and a redesign of two previous "Strong Foundations" reports by SHEEO (2010 and…

With advances in research, technology, and assessments, and with a focused effort, the U.S. education system can lead the world in becoming a data-driven enterprise. This publication provides leaders from business, philanthropy, and education with background on data issues; describes challenges that must be overcome; and makes recommendations for…

Established in 2006 by New Leaders for New Schools[TM], the Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) initiative rewards high-need urban schools showing significant gains in student achievement. In exchange, schools agree to share the practices helping to drive those gains, which they do through an in-depth study of practice, aided by the EPIC…

Selecting an appropriate school district information system means obtaining the best features while sacrificing few that are desirable. Evaluation criteria include scope of work; integration of modules; accuracy of attendance module; checking "power" for attendance; a fast scheduler; graduation requirements capabilities; and before adoption,…

Although the military is willing to share information technology with civilian schools--the interactive videodisc being an example of such cooperation--problems such as lack of money and scarcity of appropriate programs intervene to slow the dissemination of technology. (JW)

This compilation consists of various letters and documents issued for public comment during 1986-1987 by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education, during its examination of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system to determine any needed changes and improvements. This…

This summary of a recent evaluation of the Minnesota Management Information System (MIS) focuses on problems encountered during its evolution and on options available to solve those problems. A delineation between state and district information needs is provided, with an emphasis on statewide standards for reporting educational needs. (MER)

Discusses methodological issues arising from the evaluation of the impact of IT-assisted information systems on information-seeking and research in academia. Learning and use of information technology by academics was observed over time by using diaries, interviews, discussion, and observation. Results indicate that academic research is a complex…

Many operational and some tactical information needs can be well supported with current information technology and campus-based data, but information support for many tactical and most strategic decisions may be aided by interinstitutional collaboration. (Author/MSE)

This report describes the conceptual framework of a study examining the feasibility of developing, on a nationwide basis, a system of statistical indicators of educational knowledge outputs, dissemination structures, and knowledge utilization settings and outcomes, along with their contextual indicators. Using the notion of social indicators to…

Instructional information systems gather and link together data on pupil characteristics, pupil performance on tests, instructional methods, and attitudes and opinions. Results from a study of two instructional information systems indicate that even well-designed systems will only influence decision making under certain conditions. (BW)

The Maryland study of the Career Information Delivery System (CIDS) was conducted to review computerized information delivery systems. The study also sought to assess the Information Network for Occupational Resources (INFORM) system, in terms of user satisfaction. The review process started in September 1988, at which time 320 current INFORM…