We needed to know whether this was a tool that would work. However, until the last few weeks, we have given insufficient attention to the question of how to convince the education community that EDI is a valuable tool and worth the startup cost, both financial and human. I no longer believe that the centralized model will be the most efficient way to implement EDI, a view shared by the membership of the EDI Task Force. We are recommending a state by state implementation for a number of reasons that are enumerated in our draft business plan and the written report of Monday's meetings, which will shortly be displayed at the Forum web site. The implications of this recommendation are, for the Forum, dramatic.
Every good cause needs a champion.
Someone at the national level must step up to the plate to be that champion for EDI if it is to grow in a planned and orderly manner. I believe that it is critical for the Forum to make a decision six months from now about whether it will be that national champion. Approximately one month before the January 2000 Forum, we will be submitting further recommendations and an updated draft of the business plan, via the Forum listserv and at the web site. I urge you to give careful consideration to these materials prior to the January Forum, to attend the Task Force and TDC meetings if you are able, and to help us decide what path EDI will follow in education.