In December 2008, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in partnership with the Data Quality Campaign, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) hosted a meeting of the West's key leaders in building state-wide integrated longitudinal data systems. Such data systems are essential to developing a better…

These training minicourse materials include class schedules, a description of class composition, class outlines, and a list of handouts for using AppleWorks database applications with the Apple IIGS computer in language arts, social studies, and science. Classes for each content area include introductions to the Apple IIGS computer, to the…

This issue of "Network News" takes a look at emerging P-16/K-16 partnerships and data systems. The first article, "P-16 Data and Accountability Systems," by Hans L'Orange and Rick Voorhees (an adaptation of a policy brief) looks at data being used for accountability within P-16 systems and provides some general characteristics…

The Association for the Advancement of Health Education (AAHE) and Academic Programs for Health Science, George Mason University (Virginia), have collaborated in upgrading AAHE's Health Resources Information System. The process involved updating the health resources information on file. This information, which represents addresses and telephone…

This report describes and illustrates the Northwest Regional Laboratory's (NWREL) Database and School Profiling project. Uses and implications for future data assembly and database design activities are explained. Analysis of the database has impacted evaluation and policymaking activities regarding at-risk youth, rural education, early childhood…

This paper describes analytical concepts that can be applied to a comprehensive database containing information on students, teachers, and schools. The concepts are presented in terms of displays, potential inferences, and possible difficulties. Statistical techniques are mentioned, but not rigorously developed. Focus is on displays that can be…

Describes a lesson based on Taba's Inductive Thinking Model that offers a set of strategies to enhance the teaching of higher order thinking skills with the use of databases. Analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information are discussed, and strategies for guiding class discussion are presented. (eight references) (LRW)

Short Fiction on Film is a database that was created and will run on DataRelator, a relational database manager created by Bill Finzer for the California State Department of Education in 1986. DataRelator was designed for use in teaching students database management skills and to provide teachers with examples of how a database manager might be…

Discusses the use of computerized databases in instructional settings. Provides examples of how such instructional databases could be accessed directly by students. Lists some commercially available databases, distinguishing between their type, computer compatability, price, grade level, and their general searching abilities. (TW)

This monograph reports on a national survey of state higher education agencies concerning the current status of student transition data systems. The survey found that 48 states are currently addressing at least one of four student transition areas, with 42 states concerned with postsecondary education (PSE) to PSE transition, 33 states with K-12…

The GENESYS (GENeric Evaluation SYStem) evaluation system of the Austin, Texas school system is described, and its second year of operation--1989-90--is reviewed. GENESYS is a method of streamlining data collection and evaluation through the use of computer technology. It gathers and reports the following standard information on specified groups…

Exposes erroneous ideas related to the use of databases for teaching thinking skills. Reviews the importance of databases for teaching social studies; describes the teacher's role in helping students use databases; discusses effective teaching strategies; and outlines what is needed to teach thinking skills. (Author/LS)

This report addresses the technical and legal issues attendant to the implementation of a comprehensive student information system in California. It documents the legislative origins of the study and the conditions of state-level information systems within California and other states. It then describes the legal issues arising from the collection,…