16 Developing information systems for schools of the future c.L. Fulmer Northern Illinois University Leadership and Educational Policy Studies, 201 Gabel Hall DeKalb, Illinois, USA Phone: 815-748-3615 e-mail: p60clf1 @wpo.cso.niu.edu F.P. Frank Georgia State University Educational Policy Studies, University Plaza Atlanta, Georgia, USA Phone: 404-651-1199 e-mail: ffrank@ gsu.edu Abstract This article explores the lack of interface between educators and information systems and highlights the inclusion of teaching and learning variables as key to developing information systems which touch core needs of educators and inform teaching and learning processes. The assumption that more and better training will close the gap between educational need and information system adoption is questioned. The authors argue that information systems will be more readily adopted by educators if systems make teaching and learning variables more central. A model for developing this new generation of information systems is presented. Keywords Professional development, educational management, information technology 1 INTRODUCTION Educational information systems have evolved over the last forty years from business management models which are effective for inventory control, personnel management, cost analysis, and audit. Extant educational information systems have reflected these strengths but have tended to be far less effective at depicting the conditions of teaching and learning. Recent information systems serve the purpose of evaluating programs, personnel, or for generating data for accreditation purposes. They have not provided quality data for analyzing and intervening in processes of teaching and learning. We A. C. W. Fung et al. (eds.), Information Technology in Educational Management for the Schools of the Future © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 1997