Student Information System
As a Walton Family Foundation (WFF) Startup Grant recipient, your school is required to periodically provide defined data elements to WFF (or a designated party) for evaluation or participation in a future data warehouse. Because there are many student information systems on the market and certain States/Districts already mandate the use of a specific program, it’s important to determine which one is right for your school. Below is some general information to help guide you in making the best SIS choice:
Unfamiliar with Student Information Systems?
- Go to www.jumpstartcredo.org and click on the GearUp button. GearUp is a free web-based resource that describes the best way to manage school data and outlines the value of adopting a SIS. All WFF applicants may access this site at any time for a quick overview. Reviewing GearUp is recommended regardless of which SIS your school chooses.
- Check out http://www.powerschool.com for product information on the PowerSchool program (and inquire with WFF about our limited time offer for free licenses).
- JumpStart at https://credojumpstart.org is a licensed ($500) web-based resource which helps schools get ready to deploy and use the PowerSchool SIS. In JumpStart, schools will find tutorials, templates and registration forms supporting every step necessary to successfully implement the program.
Some important things to consider when choosing a SIS:
- Web Based vs. School Based
- Live vs. Static
- Platforms – PC or Mac or Both
- Servers – On Location vs. Hosted
- Maintenance/Support Costs
- Parent/Student Access
- Ease of use - User Interface, Data import/export, Reports, etc.
- Data Analysis Tools
- SIF/EDEN Compliant
- Reporting Functions
Does your State or District mandate the use of a particular SIS?
- No – Choose the PowerSchool student information system option in the WFF Startup proposal (or the Operations option if you already have a SIS).
- Yes – Choose the “other” student information system option in the Startup proposal (or the Operations option if you already have a SIS).
If you have any questions regarding your school’s selection of a SIS, please contact WFF consultant Claire Johnson via e-mail at sis@savantservices.net.