A management information system (MIS) is a systems approach to data processing. It provides relevant, timely, and accurage data to decisionmakers, as well as information storage, retrieval, and transfer functions through the use of computers. Educational administrators have been slow to implement computerized data processing either because they fail to understand information systems or because systems planning has been neglected. Population growth and the changing role of education necessitate implementation of computerized data handling. Data processing personnel are in the best position to give educators guidance in data processing and should be given greater roles in decisionmaking. Only with a good information management system can current administrative and educational confusion be ended. (RA)