School districts prepare annual budgets in order to have adequate funding available for their operations. Today's budgets require flexibility and adaptability as school-district finances and governmental regulations and guidelines change. This article discusses several types of budgets and budget preparation that utilize microcomputer technology.…

Designed to provide educators with guidance for the lawful reproduction of computer software, this document contains suggested guidelines, sample forms, and several short articles concerning software copyright and license agreements. The initial policy statement calls for educators to provide software developers (or their agents) with a…

This report presents the findings from South Carolina's seventh statewide computer survey. The survey solicited information on computer equipment and software, and dealt with such issues as the instructional and administrative uses of computers and the availability and use of Software Evaluation Exchange Dissemination (SEED) software reviews and a…

School computer networks range in size from a single-classroom link to a statewide arrangement. Experiences, advantages, and problems encountered in implementing a local area network are discussed. (MLF)

Preparing a microcomputer electronic spreadsheet containing all relevant school district budgetary information is possible with currently available hardware and software (such as Lotus 1-2-3), despite random-access-memory limitations. Spreadsheets can provide financial summaries, inventory-control listings, scheduling alternatives,…

Microcomputer efficiency and software economy can be achieved through file transfer and data sharing. Costs can be reduced by purchasing computer systems that allow for expansion and portability of data. (MLF)

Explains site licensing, which grants certain microcomputer software rights to a school or district for a fee. Differences of rights among vendors are discussed, the impact of networking on-site licensing is described, and examples of the benefits of site licensing in public school districts are given. (LRW)

Intended to aid teachers, administrators, and interested parents by informing them about the state of the educational microcomputer market, this report is meant to be a guide to school districts in the acquisition and maintenance of microcomputers and related instructional materials. Trends in educational computing technology are noted in relation…

A state-wide microcomputer software program and support system for local education agency (LEA) reporting of Chapter 1 fiscal and evaluation information was developed. The microcomputer budget application for West Virginia was developed by the Technical Assistance Center at RMC Corporation. The program is intended for use by the Chapter 1 staff of…

This study determined the prominent brands of microcomputers presently in use in Southeast Texas schools, the reasons for their selection, and computer use and brands in relation to grade level. Questionnaires related to microcomputer use were sent to 115 school districts in southeast Texas in 1985. The return rate was 83 percent. A total of 8,258…

The availability of micro-to-mainframe communications software has provided computer thieves with new tools. Explains how to establish and maintain proper electronic data processing controls. (MLF)

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" provides an overview of the role of computers--and microcomputers in particular--in the school business management process. The chapter opens with a background discussion of the management information system (MIS) concept in general. This topic is examined in terms of the…

Discusses the characteristics, development, and applications of the North Clackamas (OR) School District's long-range financial planning model, which is operated through an electronic spreadsheet. Two tables show sample outputs. (MCG)

After school districts have purchased computer hardware and software, they still need to consider the costs of support and repair services, and the purchase of additional equipment. (MLF)

Application of computer-assisted testing (CAT) to measurement in the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools is described. Focus is on MicroCAT's developmental subsystem, which allows creation of items and test design specifications. Changes in CAT procedures allowing MicroCAT to function in existing testing systems and uses/limitations of MicroCAT…