An Information System for Educational Management: Executive Summary.

Summarizes six reports, R-930 through R-935, concerning design of an information system to aid the Los Angeles city schools in implementing accountability and program budgeting. Extensive interviewing and system analysis led to focusing decisionmaking and accountability on the individual school principal, unlike the present centralized decisionmaking and resource allocation. The information subsystems will maintain timely data on (1) all employees and volunteer personnel, (2) program and budget, (3) educational results, and (4) community characteristics. An inquiry subsystem will supply information specifically requested. The products are exception reports, showing atypical attendance, achievement, or expenditures; recurring historical reports; and inquiry reports. A smooth transition from the present centralization and classical accounting methods is facilitated by use of natural language with the computer system; "crosswalks" relating old budget formats to program budget formats; and an inservice training program for district and school administrators. Three alternative hardware/software configurations are evaluated and costed. 39 pp.