This paper suggests methods for collecting and using student information for school improvement by describing how the Richardson Independent School District (RISD), Texas, determines data for effective school management decisionmaking. RISD readily accesses student information via a networked database on line with the central office's IBM…

Reprints of 19 articles pertaining to library microcomputing appear in this collection, the second of two volumes on this topic in a series of volumes of reprints from "ONLINE" and "DATABASE" magazines. Edited for information professionals who use electronically distributed databases, these articles address such topics as: (1)…

Continues the discussion of the Association of School Business Officials' 1987 member survey on automation, citing computer applications in use by enrollment size. Only the number of applications in wide use increases with enrollment size. A rough measure of satisfaction with software vendors highlights two companies. (MLF)

Reviews database management software options for academic applications of pedagogy and research offering practical suggestions on choosing software. Software reviewed includes dBase III, Reflex, FYI 3000, Notebook II, AskSAM, Electra-Find, and Practicase. Program advantages, disadvantages, features, flexibility, and costs are discussed. A…

This study is the final report from the National Center for Education Statistics task force on redesign of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Following an executive summary outlining the need for changes and a series of recommendations, Section 1 details the reasons, goals, and processes involved in the IPEDS redesign.…

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…

Requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act present school districts with a massive lesson in data-driven decision-making. Technology companies offer data-management tools that organize student information from state tests. Offers districts advice in choosing a technology provider. (MLF)

Outlines techniques used in the context of a sixth grade science class to teach database structure and search strategies for science using the AppleWorks program. Provides templates and questions for class and element databases. (Author/YP)

Discusses the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in education and describes the use of a database management system to evaluate and monitor university course effectiveness. Principles of TQM and feedback from students, faculty, administration, alumni, and employers to monitor the content and structure of various courses are included. (13…

Describes the transformation of the Lotus Development Corporation's corporate library from a paper-based information service to a virtual library using Lotus Notes as the underlying development platform. Lotus Notes' tracking, broadcast, reference, and discussion applications are presented; and applications being developed by other corporations…

Online communities are meeting places for learners on the Internet designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration among people who share common interests and needs. Most participants are drawn by an opportunity to share a sense of community with like-minded strangers, regardless of were they live. School communities can be distinguished by…

Purpose: To provide practical information on two electronic journal-related products implemented in Library and Information Services at University of Wales Swansea. Design/methodology/approach: An overview is provided of the evaluation of electronic journal management products undertaken and subsequent implementation. Findings: Serials Solutions…

This report offers comprehensive information about the current capabilities of statewide higher education student data systems including the scope of these systems, what information is collected, and how information is used. The report provides analysis of student tracking systems and data sharing across agencies. It addresses protection of the…

The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), in California, is a multi-college district in which many students cross-enroll in two or more colleges. Beginning in 1978, the District began efforts to align courses and programs across the individual colleges, including the implementation of districtwide accreditation and procedures related to…

Activities of the Special Issues Analysis Center (SIAC), a technical support center providing assistance to the Department of Education in serving the needs of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students through the Bilingual Education Act of 1988, are summarized. In the third year of its contract, SIAC performed these services: creation of a…