Discusses the following conditions which are necessary for effective systemic change in education: all stakeholders agree on a common vision of education; the existing system does not meet these expectations; a new system is designed; an implementation plan is developed; support for the plan is obtained; and pressure to proceed is applied. (MES)

A systems perspective of adult literacy assessment stresses use of comprehensive, holistic strategies. For literacy methods, systems theory emphasizes the holistic nature of the adult in relation to the complex web of systems. Systems theory applied to materials reflects the plurality of literacies and the need for a variety of materials. (SK)

Discusses quality management principles as taught by W. Edwards Deming and describes their applications to educational technology services. Traditional organizational charts are explained; and benefits of using flow charts in Deming's systems are described, including better communications between departments, building teamwork, and opportunities…

Includes three articles that address issues associated with the automation and management of library acquisitions departments. Highlights include the systems librarian's point of view; restructuring the cataloging and acquisitions departments in a large academic library after NOTIS implementation; and the workflow in a smaller university library.…

Systems dynamics, a computer-based tool for visualizing how parts of an organization work together over time, is a valuable tool in administrative decision making. Feedback loops among elements mimic complicated behavior in real or imagined situations. An experiment using the technique with a simple research funding model validated its utility.…

A consortium of four Wisconsin school districts has decided to stop tinkering with the educational system and apply W. Edward Deming's 14 management points to total system improvement. The rewritten precepts involve creating and adopting a fitting purpose, infusing quality into the educational "product," and working toward zero defects…

Discussion of the problem of control in documentary information retrieval (IR) systems focuses on feedback mechanisms. Information needs are discussed, particularly the Problem Oriented Information Need (POIN); the structure of an adaptive IR system is described; and the design of algorithms for automated IR systems is explained. (33 references)…

The director of the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) suggests areas in a technical curriculum that could be improved using an interdisciplinary approach: (1) systems; (2) the electromechanical core; (3) the mathematics/science base; (4) computers; and (5) interpersonal/communication skills. (Author)

Confusion in educational planning stems from having no clear objectives and no clear knowledge of the real clients. The new educational model involves contributing to socially useful results, not simply teaching subjects and conveying content information. Instead of relying on self-defeating techniques and mind-sets, educators can benefit from…

Discussion of information needs in a business environment focuses on how to build a shared information network. Highlights include the evolution of corporate intelligence systems; results of a survey that examined the information networking needs of large corporations; and a case study of the development of an information network at Citibank N.A.…

Examines leadership practices of four schools participating in the Saskatchewan (Canada) School Improvement Program. Findings suggest that provincial guidelines discuss leadership without defining it. Leadership as practiced consists largely of disconnected decisions, behaviors, and actions. In a learning organization, a leadership view embracing…

Teacher-directed content, immovable subject divisions, and rigid scope and sequences perpetuate mismatch between middle school curricula and young adolescents' needs. Teachers at one Florida middle school are experimenting with Coalition of Essential Schools processes such as backward curriculum design and units of joy. Curriculum becomes an open…

In focus groups the experiences of 12 Kurdish and 13 Vietnamese refugees who resettled in Winnipeg, Manitoba were explored. They lacked employment skills and their education was interrupted. The transition from home ownership to subsidized rent affected their self-perception. (JOW)

Presents a reaction to Thompson and Neville's (1999) article, "Racism, Mental Health, and Mental Health Practice." Discusses the results of their own longitudinal study of the psychology of White racism to both promote and validate many of the theoretical claims that are presented in Thompson and Neville's article. (GCP)

Offers 20 practical guidelines for colleges and universities embarking on large-scale administrative software initiatives or enterprise resource planning systems. Guidelines are based on the extensive experience of the authors and a series of panel discussions at 1999 professional meetings. (DB)