This paper presents the concepts of a computer-directed system to improve human performance in structured learning situations. Attention is focused on finite-state systems in order to provide a systematic method for constructing training systems and to assist in analysis of problem solving and curriculum planning. The finite-state approach allows…

The professional development process can be organized as a continuous, multifaceted, proactive, and integrated system that is futures-oriented and focused on adaptation as an essential organizational function. A systems model employing a university professional school as an example is presented. It focuses on professional schools because they lend…

The system approach to planning and managing educational change features the use of an adaptive framework and a strategy for planned system change. The approach focuses management attention upon (1) relevant future states of expectation or goals, (2) present and future state variables and contexts, (3) human organization factors, and (4)…

Data for this evaluation of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) School Library Resources Program as operated during the 1983-84 school year were collected via surveys of library media specialists and teachers. The stated objectives of the program scheduled for attainment by June 1984 called for planning a pilot program for…

Measures of school achievement over a 4 year lag period in Virginia's 95 school districts were used to investigate the relationship of investment in education to student achievement since variations in spending among counties would have four years to affect student achievement levels. Because educational output is a function of selected…

The creative management of change in a time of economic contraction requires planning reforms. Organizing for effective planning requires a total conceptual framework beginning with a stated mission and ending with a systematic approach to operations. Goals should be based on a market analysis of community educational needs and its translation…

At a time when planning becomes more and more essential for American colleges and universities, precise and accurate information about them becomes critical. This document reports on some sophisticated statistical measurements of certain aspects of the supply and demand for students, places for them to attend college, and faculty members to teach…

This paper describes informally a comprehensive systems model that could aid school program decision makers. The model, a multistage input-output scheme, permits descriptions of social, political, economic, and educational interactions in an urban school system for the purpose of defining the school system performance and its amenability to change…

This document reports the Center's current thinking about PPBS and data-based educational planning. In the introduction, PPBS is defined, the usual conceptualization of PPBS is outlined, current pressure to adopt PPBS in public education is discussed, and current efforts at such implementation are reviewed. The second part deals with basic…

A method was developed for doing a computer simulation of elementary school activities for different school organizations, with traditional and multiunit schools being observed for significant factors relating to the use of space. Analysis of the collected data showed that group size varied significantly as a function of school program and…

Government expansion of child care services is based on the assumption that both parents are employed (the adult worker model) and make cost-benefit calculations in choosing child care (the rational economic choice model). This paper addresses this assumption, based on research examining mothers' assessments of appropriate child care. These…

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…

Educational indicators are statistical input/output measures providing information on the health of the educational system. This report for the consideration of the Council of Chief State School Officers characterizes the current state of educational indicators as in "shambles." It proposes a three phase framework for developing a sensitive and…

This paper models the educational process by a system of simultaneous equations. The endogenous variables (educational outputs) are a pupil's achievement, participation in a college preparatory program, need for achievement (aspirations), demonstrated motivation (effort), expectations, self-esteem, belief in his ability to control his environment…

The concept of impact, as it is treated in this report, is based on the notion of "expected changes in student behavior and attitudes as contrasted to "actual" changes. Following a review of the literature on college impact and a discussion of its relevance to the two-year college, this document presents an empirical model for…