Requirements for a Comprehensive Student Information System (CSIS) for New Jersey Charter Schools
Overview
This document describes the requirements for a comprehensive student information system (CSIS) that would simplify routine procedures for collecting and maintaining student information typically maintained in student information systems (SISs), as well as provide a robust mechanism for collecting authentic assessment data for each student—not just typical quantitative test data or letter grades, but also assessment data derived from rubrics, portfolio assessments, teacher observations, and other qualitative assessments.
In addition to the necessity of such data for the proper assessment and instruction of students, there is also an extraordinary public policy purpose for this data when we consider how much is riding on the limited data currently collected about student progress. NCLB accountability measures judge schools based on an extremely limited set of data—state standardized tests—and ignore the many other elements that constitute student progress. In particular, non-cognitive assessments are not even included in public considerations of student progress—even though research shows that non-cognitive abilities—e.g., interpersonal skills, perseverance, trustworthiness, dependability—are at least as significant as cognitive indicators in predicting the future success of students in school, employment, and in life.
A comprehensive and coherent student information system—one that provided a 360 degree view of a student’s progress and abilities by combining quantitative and qualitative information about both cognitive and non-cognitive development—would provide educators and policy makers with a much more robust set of data for both the assessment of schools, the properly differentiated instruction of students, and the shaping of future policy.
Data Requirements
Student Data
The comprehensive student information system (CSIS) must include all student demographic and contact data needed internally to register and administer student records.
The CSIS must include all data required for NJSMART compliance.
The CSIS must include all data required for mandatory New Jersey state reports such as the School Register, EVVRS, special education reports, etc.
The CSIS must include all data required to register students in the NJ Department of Education Charter School Enrollment system.
Page 3
Requirements for a Comprehensive Student Information System (CSIS) for New Jersey Charter Schools
Staff Data
The CSIS must include all staff data needed internally to administer employee records.
The CSIS must include all staff data needed to produce mandatory New Jersey state reports.
Course and Schedule Data
The CSIS must include course and schedule data, including teachers assigned to particular classes and subjects, such that it is possible to identify a student’s teacher(s) for a given year (time period) and subject.
The CSIS must allow for the assignment of students to particular classes and teachers.
Student Assessment Data
The CSIS must include both qualitative and quantitative student assessment data to be linked with student records.
It must support assessment data derived from:
· Standardized tests (such as the NJ ASK or Terra Nova)
· Rubrics
· Portfolio assessments
· Assessments of non-cognitive skills
· Performance-based assessments
· Teacher observations
· Other authentic assessments…
Student assessment data must be aligned with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards cumulative progress indicators (CPIs). That is, it must be possible to extract assessment data for a given CPI, or set of CPIs, from the diverse assessment data linked to the student record.
The CSIS will allow for the direct comparison of NJASK/NJ GEPA data with internally-generated assessment data. That is, it will be possible to sort data from internal assessments along the same categories as the NJASK and GEPA.
The CSIS will provide data that supports differentiated instruction by highlighting areas of student progress and need.
Alignment with State Standards
The CSIS will align all assessment data with CPIs from the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
In cases in which CSIS data has no analogous standard, it will be aligned with an internal NECCS standard.
Functionality
The CSIS will provide a user-friendly interface with onscreen support for common tasks.
The CSIS will support multiple users with different permissions.
The CSIS will allow for the management of access to different features across multiple security levels.
The CSIS will allow for the efficient entry of routine data, such as for daily attendance and lunch.
The CSIS will provide a robust reporting capability that supports:
· Mandatory state reports (see NJ Homeroom web site for comprehensive list)
· Student assessment reports across multiple keys
· Comprehensive report cards that include both quantitative and qualitative information
· Reports that support manual data entry into other systems that will not interface directly with the CSIS (e.g., Charter School Enrollment system)
The CSIS will export files to support NJSMART uploads.
The system will provide student contact data in a format that interfaces with automated telephone notification systems.
The system will support the generation of form letters and notices.
System Requirements
The CSIS will operate on standard PCs with typical configurations.
The CSIS database will run on a Windows-based server.
The CSIS will provide an automated backup capability.
Page 3