FOCUS is a database containing dropout prevention information at Clemson University (South Carolina). FOCUS provides access to the following data files: (1) Dropout Prevention Program Profiles; (2) Dropout Calendar of Events (National); (3) Dropout Calendar of Events (South Carolina Only); and (4) Dropout Resource Materials Library. The Program…

This report summarizes education data obtained from 1980 census individual record files for the seven states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) that comprise the north central education region. The report and the appended data tables are based on five percent samples of the midwest region and each of its seven…

The first of two phases in this research project aimed at linking information technology (IT) with library information skills used the microcomputer as an information retrieval tool, and investigated ways of using curriculum-based keywords to help secondary school students define and maintain a clear sense of purpose when selecting, evaluating,…

Recognizing that the fast-developing optical storage technologies provide a new dimension in publishing and information storage, retrieval, and distribution, this report examines the technical characteristics and capabilities of video and optical systems and the implications of this technology. The following aspects of optical disk systems are…

This paper examines the administrative uses of the microcomputer, stating that high performance educational managers are likely to have microcomputers in their organizations. Four situations that would justify the use of a computer are: (1) when massive amounts of data are processed through well-defined operations; (2) when data processing is…

This unit emphasizes the integration of software in a focus on the classroom instruction process. Student activities are based on plans and ideas for instructional units presented by a teacher who describes and demonstrates the activities. Integration has occurred when computer applications are included in an instructional activity. This guide…

Mail surveys designed to determine the current status of end user online searching were sent to three populations: 473 faculty members in 12 departments at 20 universities, online search coordinators in 89 academic libraries, and 15 library school educators. Direct interviews with 10 university faculty members were also conducted. Faculty were…

This document is designed to assist the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFP/I) in planning for the establishment of an information system for its members and other stakeholders who need information on educational facilities. The report focuses on the major activities to be accomplished and the issues to be considered when…

Papers presented at the fourth European Cooperation in Social Science Information and Documentation (ECSSID) General Conference provide information on developments in the field in 16 European countries. According to the general outlines provided for these reports, the presentations focus on developments after 1977, thus supplementing information…

The background, rationale, elements, and organization of the newly-formed Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES) database containing child language data-transcripts are outlined in this first issue of their newsletter. The system was formed in response to a need for greater efficiency in data sharing, greater precision in data collection…

Instructional Accomplishment Information (IAI) Systems data bases provide the opportunity for new and powerful studies relevant to educational policy issues at a local and/or national level. This report discusses the methodology for "schooling policy studies." The procedures are illustrated using a yet-to-be-completed analysis of the Los…

More than 700 print and online financial aid directories issued since 1980 are listed, described and evaluated in this guide. Listings are divided into the following major headings: scholarships, fellowships, grants, awards and prizes, loans, internships, and databases and search services. Within each heading, general listings are provided…

Summaries of the welcoming and opening remarks for a symposium on the standards issues that will affect the federal government's planning, acquisition, and use of integrated computer and telecommunications systems over the next five years set the stage for the keynote address by Joseph Timko of IBM entitled "Standards--Perspectives and Evolution."…

This manual has been designed to assist in the conversion of schools to the SIMS (Student Information Management System) School System. SIMS is based on a software package modified for use in the North Carolina Public School System. The term "conversion" refers to the process of changing the current records system to a new one, thus…

In 1986, the Center for Education Statistics (CES) initiated a series of meetings with a wide range of private school representatives. At these meetings, a need for more complete information on the data collection efforts of the various private groups was identified, and as a result, CES agreed to investigate the extent and nature of the education…