Through Target 4.7 of SDG4 on 'quality education', Agenda 2030 invites governments to take ownership of progress towards ensuring 'Education for Sustainable Development' (ESD) becomes embedded into all levels of education. However, conceptual analysis suggests an ongoing blindspot related to the significance of systems literacy in fostering the…

In this paper, we look at the inner workings of a school district through the lens of the "district operating system (DOS)," a set of interlocking mutually-reinforcing modules that includes functions like procurement, contracting, data and IT policy, the general counsel's office, human resources, and the systems for employee and family…

This paper identifies key variables in both the design and implementation of educational planning models and presents a conceptual framework that meaningfully relates these variables. Purpose of the conceptual framework is to provide educational researchers and practitioners with a "cognitive map" of significant variables associated with…

This guidebook is designed to help school leaders think systemically as they examine school improvement issues and make decisions about change. The guidance offered is based on what has been learned from systems theory, research on school improvement, and conversations with a broad array of school leaders. Because schools are complex systems of…

Describes the systems approach (the Information-Based School Development Project) used by a large education system in Australia for school review and development, involving a research and a service component to help schools identify, obtain, and organize information they need for their own decision-making. Relates two case studies. (SR)

This digest reviews what instructional designers do, describes knowledge management, and indicates how knowledge management is influencing instructional design. The first section defines instructional design (ID) and briefly describes the ID process. The second section covers knowledge management (KM), including definitions of KM and systems,…

Advocates a systems approach to designing educational systems in a changing world. The intellectual technology of systems design is outlined; and a design architecture is described that addresses definition of the new system, system specifications, key functions, organizational issues, and the systemic environment. Organizing perspectives for…

This field guide provides a look into education in relation to a concept that has already been established in science, business and therapy. This book will encourage and educate readers about systemic thinking through examples and ideas pertinent to education and its reform. Following a Foreword (Michael Fullan) and Introduction (Blane Despres),…

This paper outlines an approach designed to provide an accurate and efficient cost accounting system for use in schools and other social service organizations. In his discussion, the author presents a detailed step-by-step description of how to establish, plan, and operate the system. The basic element of the system is the Daily Event Record…

An integrated electronic system combines individual monitoring and control functions into one economical unit that earns a rapid payback by automatically managing and controlling energy usage, building systems, and security and maintenance tasks. (MLF)

The number and diversity of the parameters involved in the organization of modern education make it necessary to employ modern management methods and techniques to optimize decisions about the organization and improve the use of available material and financial resources. To accomplish these goals, a systems approach is advisable. A model of any…

This module of a competency-based staff development training package is concerned with computer assisted reporting in a guidance, counseling, and placement program. The first goal of this module is to provide the participant with general knowledge of the process necessary to develop an effective computer information system. The second goal is to…

This paper presents a nontraditional definition of competency and describes in detail a comprehensive model for the development of competency-based curricula based on that definition. The model was developed through the anasynthesis procedure and was validated through application in the development of competency-based curricula for three programs…

Offers guidelines for selecting community members for systemic restructuring efforts in public schools. Definitions of community and of systemic restructuring, or educational systems design, are presented; the importance of selection efforts is discussed; a community selection model is described and explained; and further research is suggested.…

A comprehensive introductory book on systems theory and practice in education, this text is designed for introductory graduate-level courses or for self-study. It presents an introduction to a wide variety of subjects, with references for more detailed study of individual topics. The emphasis is split between systems thought and systems…