Student Information Systems and Technology
Between the 1970s and early 2000s, student data systems transitioned toward greater reliance on technology. For example, student scheduling software enabled districts to efficiently manage student data to create master schedules. Before the introduction of this software, administrators devoted their entire summers to creating master schedules.
Now, administrators can use their time more efficiently. This also opened the door to phasing out some data management-related jobs in favor of employing technology personnel or using consultants from outside technology companies.
In the 1980s, systems such as WinSchool allowed districts to streamline student records, attendance, report cards, fees, and communication, and print comprehensive reports.
A particular note of interest during this integration of technology in school districts was that state standards for student data did not exist. Districts reported student data to state governments through the program they used.
Smarter budgeting, detailed data, and future-ready education plans are the rewards of investing in such programs.
Student Information Systems Today
At the start of the 21st century, a majority of states mandated the collection of student data for the purpose of analyzing and documenting the student education experience. For example, NJ SMART (NJ Standards Measurement and Resource for Teaching) was developed “to help New Jersey's public education system develop evidence-based practices, meet new federal data reporting requirements, including those pursuant to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and use technology to improve information sharing and administrative efficiency.”
Part of this data reporting requirement included a statewide database of students that tracked their attendance through high school graduation. This data reporting reduced the risk of duplicate student enrollment counts in the annual Application for State School Aid and the District Report of Transported Resident Students. Both reports are tied to state aid for each school district.
The NJ SMART information expanded each year to include student data on enrollment, graduation, and post-graduation outcomes. Today, NJ SMART is now NJSLEDS (New Jersey Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System). This data system is part of the federal Institute of Education Sciences' Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant Program, whose purpose is “to enhance the ability of states to efficiently and accurately manage, analyze, and use education data, including individual student records. The SLDSs should help states, districts, schools, educators, and other stakeholders to make data-informed decisions to improve student learning and outcomes; as well as to facilitate research to increase student achievement and close achievement gaps."
Reporting information on a large scale allows educators to formulate educational programs that prepare students for their future. The decision-making agenda includes formulating a multi-tiered system of support, including early intervention, for students who are at risk.
A multitude of student software programs are designed to support the state data collection systems. The software can be hosted on a cloud-based server or run by the individual district on its own servers. Some states require districts to select from a pre-approved set of software vendors.
Why These Programs Matter
These programs expand opportunities for district data collection, facilitating budget planning by school business officials. Additional data, such as after-school activity enrollment, athletic team involvement, school lunch status, and transportation needs, combined with scheduling software, enables administrators to better determine staffing needs for the upcoming year, thus guiding the business office regarding possible additions and cuts to future budgets.
The public benefits as well. Compilation of data through the National Center for Education Statistics or specific state education department websites provides transparency for the public to research how tax dollars are being used in the school system.
The Future of Student Information Systems
Most software providers offer a help desk/technical support platform for districts that encounter issues while using the program. Rather than submitting a ticket/make a phone call to the help desk, artificial intelligence can help users find solutions. While some users may prefer this method, live support via email, tickets, and a help desk phone line remains a viable option given the specialized nature of educational software.
Additionally, as software programs continue to evolve, software companies may merge to expand the marketplace and increase investment in program development.
As K–12 education has rapidly evolved over the past quarter-century, the support systems that sustain this change have adapted to the demands of technology. Student information systems offer educators a wealth of opportunities to determine the best path for the future leaders of the next century.
How the information is utilized and by whom is a new area for business officials. Smarter budgeting, detailed data, and future-ready education plans are the rewards of investing in such programs. Taking the time to see how each SIS can benefit your district may help the district administrative team ensure the district is moving forward.
Author Note: A special thank you to Richard Dilts, president of Genesis Educational Services, for generously sharing his over 55 years of experience in student information systems.