HOT TOPIC: Student Information Systems
Volume 2, Issue 37 - June 4, 2006"With the advent of No Child Left Behind and the current emphasis on data-driven decision making, school districts have been looking to student information systems to help manage the demands for student data and its use in planning, implementing and assessing programs. Student information systems are technology solutions that allow school systems to manage their student data from basic demographic information to attendance, grades, scheduling, transcripts and test scores. Typically Web-based today, these systems allow educators to work from home and school, providing flexibility, efficiency and accuracy of data. In many cases parents are also allowed to access their child’s records online anytime 24/7.
While some school systems have had the manpower and resources to build an original student information system from the ground up, many districts strapped for cash and unable to hire the needed expertise look to commercial student information system products to address their needs. These products run the gamut, from older stand-alone products that have made the transition to Web-based to new faces that make the most of emerging technologies. In the most recent developments, competitors have begun to buy one another up as market forces provide for survival of the fittest.
The temptation is to look at each student information system on its merits as a product that can stand on its own credentials, but I n truth it is the service and support behind the product that can make the difference to a school district. I hope you will find this week’s digital dozen on student information system’s helpful in considering what each of these products has to offer."
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