Agent-based models combine data and theory during both development and use of the model. As models have become increasingly data driven, it is easy to start thinking of agent-based modelling as an empirical method, akin to statistical modelling, and reduce the role of theory. We argue that both types of information are important where the past is…

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) periodically assesses the needs of early childhood and K-12 students and educators regarding literacy instruction. These periodic assessments assist NDDPI with meeting the needs of educators and the students they serve through grants and other programs and opportunities. This report reviews…

For many districts, the improvement process can seem like trying to nail Jello to the wall. This fieldbook shows how to avoid a haphazard approach by focusing on all aspects of the system and specific issues that have most impact upon student achievement. This multidimensional process also entails increasing the competencies of everyone involved…

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a community of educators to improve a school--a community that includes administrators and teachers in different, but equally important, roles. A district's changes can only show results once their improvements reach the classroom. At the same time, teachers need support from their districts to…

Conventional approaches to educational planning (in particular to the forecasting of enrolments) fail to yield satisfactory results during periods of rapid social or educational change. This paper briefly outlines a flexible, alternative approach, that of the student flow model. (Editor/RK)

The purpose of this article is to set forth a conceptual framework to help educational administrators understand the applications and potential of data processing activities in their institutions. It is expected that such a framework will provide a basis for data processing decisions and direction for future data processing activities. The model…

The professional teaching and learning cycle (PTLC) is a professional development process in which teachers collaboratively plan and implement lessons aligned to their state standards. This process is an important part of the Working Systemically approach, designed by SEDL to improve a school system's capacity to increase student achievement.…

This book provides a brief review of many concepts and practices that are currently being explored and utilized in educational management systems. It is intended to aid teachers and administrators who seek a general understanding of management systems, as well as school board members and laymen who are interested in the systems approach to…

Too often computer applications try to supplant rather than augment human capabilities. As a result, there is a gap between the power of the computer and some difficult administrative problems; e.g., longrange planning. However, there is increasing interest in the use of computer simulation in planning. PLANTRAN II represents a completely new…

PLANNING-PROGRAMMING-BUDGETING SYSTEMS (PPBS) ARE INTENDED TO FACILITATE THE KINDS OF INFORMATION AND DATA ANALYSIS WHICH FURNISH ADMINISTRATORS WITH A MORE COMPLETE BASIS FOR RATIONAL CHOICE. NEUTRAL ON THE ISSUES OF COST REDUCTION, PPBS IS DESIGNED TO FOSTER ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY. ADVANTAGES WHICH IT OFFERS OVER TRADITIONAL PRACTICES INCLUDE--(1)…

A demand for more and better education has driven educators to seek the help of systems analysis in the process of decision making. Basic to the entire systems notion is the concept of a model, a simplified but controllable version of the real world. The systems approach, once the problem is defined, is to specify the subfunctions and…

This final report of a project conducted to design, develop, and test a comprehensive management plan for vocational education in Missouri is divided into three sections. Section I describes the rationale and components of a model based on the general systems approach to planning. An analysis of the planning process introduces several planning…