Information Technology for Schools: Creating Practical Knowledge to Improve Student Performance

"This unique book leads to higher levels of student performance by providing a thoughtful context and practical framework for understanding the potential of technology to enrich teaching and learning. From teachers and administrators to board members and parents, Information Technology for Schools is an invaluable guide for any school or district that is serious about systemic and continuous improvement." --Lois B. Cohn, IBM certified business transformation consultant "At last educators have a resource that offers a user-friAndly approach to applying technology to student learning and organizational growth. Information Technology for Schools tells us how data support decisions, how faculty become empowered to employ technology in the classroom, and how guided inquiry is a tool for continuous improvement of the learning environment." --Judith R. Fox, superintendent of schools, Byram Hills School District, Armonk, New York The push for higher educational standards and greater accountability has increased the demand for better information on the progress of schools and their students. Yet few schools and districts have the technological infrastructure to gather useful and credible data. This timely volume explores the ways in which educators can use technology to improve academic environments, school operations, and learning outcomes. From the classroom to the school district, Information Technology for Schools presents successful approaches to using technology to serve different educational priorities. The contributing authors discuss the challenge of planning integrated information systems, establishing benchmarks to measure overall progress, and harnessing technology to improve curriculum and teaching practice. They highlight practical questions for educational stakeholders and provide sound advice on building effective information technology systems.