Research conducted at scientifically significant sites produces an abundance of important and highly valuable data. Yet, though sites are logical points for coordinating the curation of these data, their unique needs have been under supported. Previous studies have shown that two principal stakeholder groups -- scientific researchers and local…

The effective communication of desired information between the generator and the user requires one to accommodate variances in decision-making style, behavior, and context. The premise that decision making in organizations follows the classic rational model is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Discusses components of a consumer feedback system and methods for the systematic collection of information. The system used by the "Teaching-Family Model" approach to residential treatment illustrates the successful implementation of feedback. (Author)

The conceptual framework for determining intelligence needs for dissemination service capacity that is presented is designed to assist state education agencies in improving their abilities to provide comprehensive dissemination services to their clientele. A section on the intelligence component of this model concerns (1) users and non-users at…

The objective of this investigation was to collect data on the needs of information users which could serve as a basis for the design of information systems in the social sciences. Research habits of social scientists were explored to identify research procedures and problems of research including circumstantial and environmental variables. A…

Although most school districts and schools are routinely involved in data collection, they do not typically use the data they collect in a systematic fashion to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop improvement strategies. One reason for the lack of data use is the perception that the data are being collected for someone else's purposes.…

This paper offers a guide for a dual purpose evaluation plan that can provide information for local program managers and simultaneously serve the accountability and reporting needs of a state legislature, district office, or other policy making body. The dual focus approach has two advantages: (1) it provides a common information base for…

The purpose of this project was to test the effect of an intensive acquisition effort in one region of the nation (Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont); and develop selection criteria, indexing strategies, and abstract formats congruent with user needs. The staff of The Center for Vocational and Technical Education (CVTE)…

A model is presented for studying how schools provide instruction to students. A major function of the National Center for Education Statistics is to collect data for understanding and improving how schools provide instruction. The model describes school factors (characteristics, staffing, organization, policy, and student evaluation); classroom…

This paper proposes a fundamentally new national data system for elementary and secondary education, differing in structure and content from present education data-collection activities of the federal government, the states, and local education agencies. This report was contracted by the U.S. Department of Education's Center for Statistics as a…

Two recent developments in management information system technology and higher education administration have brought about the need for this study, designed to develop a methodology for revealing a relational model of the data base that administrators are operating from currently or would like to be able to operate from in the future.…

This final report describes activities of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in a 3-year collaboration with the ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education to acquire information on model programs within the ERIC database for access by ERIC clients. AASCU members frequently need information on model programs and since…

To support informational needs of day-to-day and long-range decision-making, many universities have developed their own data collection devices and institutional reporting systems. Often these models only represent a single point in time and do not effectively support needs at college and departmental levels. This paper identifies some of the more…

A data-collection model is presented for the gathering of timely information on population demographic characteristics, as well as economic, educational, environmental, and social trends. First, the paper discusses the importance of anticipating internal and external changes and establishing priorities for resource allocation in the design of a…

The need to evaluate educational programs is briefly addressed, and the application of the Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM) at a hypothetical residential school for the visually handicapped is described. (Author/SW)