Management Information, 1986. Series: 1986-87. Report No. 17.

This report analyzes surveys and studies using a management information system developed in 1985-86 by the Sacramento (California) school district. Objectives were to facilitate policy decisions and to provide a database for assessment of student achievement, district progress, and the district's long-range plan. The report is presented in nine sections. Section 1 discusses objectives, steering committee, studies and surveys, data use, and report organization. Six goal areas serve as topics of the long-range plan and are research indicators of effective schools: student achievement, learning environment, staff and student morale, community partnership, facilities, and management programs. Section 2 describes how studies were conducted. Data on the six topics were gathered by surveys of students, staff, parents, businesses, community, facilities, and finances. Sections 3 through 8 present information from the topical studies. Summary statements precede each section. Section 9 offers conclusions and recommendations. Findings include the following observations: academic achievement, while like that of similar schools, is below state averages; most students like school and give high marks to the instructional program; parents rate schools highly and believe that the academic program is effective; and the quantity of homework needs further study. An appendix lists researchers of each study. (CJH)