Citizens of the World Los Angeles 5620 De Longpre Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90028 323.464.4063 www.cwclosangeles.org

2015-16

Student Information System Selection Criteria Report

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Goal: The purpose of our work was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our current system, understand alternative technology solutions in the market, and recommend a final approach to improving our internal data needs. Our overall goals were to:

• Improve data-driven decisions making by utilizing new and functional system features • Improve data completeness by integrating a user-friendly and more highly functional system

Approach: As we evaluated our internal data systems, Citizens of the World Los Angeles (CWC LA) gathered a group 11 stakeholders composed of teachers, teaching associates, office staff, data assessment specialists and RSO team members to document existing pain points with our systems and create a list of criteria for desired functionality. Information was gathered through a series of meetings held in November and December. Stakeholders were invited to three online student information system demonstrations. After each demo, participants were emailed a survey to evaluate each system’s functionality1. A final survey was sent to evaluate student information systems in comparison to one another and gather final recommendations from stakeholders. The stakeholders that participated in the final survey elected Illuminate as their final recommendation. Evaluation of Current Data Systems

System(s) Uses Pros Cons Outcomes

Student Information System: School Pathways

§ Student demographics

§ Attendance § Suspensions /

Expulsions

§ Low cost option § Not user friendly § Complex

database backend (table references)

§ District scope provides minimal functionality

§ No mass import / update functionality

§ Constant need for 1:1 training

§ Incomplete Data § Delayed Data

Entry § Non-strategic

professional development (immediate need vs. long-term analysis of data)

Academic Assessment: Performance Plus, NWEA, Dreambox, SELweb, DESSA

§ Teachers create report cards (not in School Pathways)

§ Low cost option § National CWC

platform to benchmark against other regions

§ Multiple platforms § Not linked to SIS

§ Increase time spent using and integrating data from multiple platforms

Assessment of Stakeholder Requirements: After our internal assessment, the following needs became clear:

• Identify a system(s) that meet more desired needs • Decrease time entering data (in lieu of other value-added activities like data analysis) • Increase data-driven decisions with more user-friendly, accessible platform • Consolidate various internal data systems, as much as is possible • Provide an opportunity to use new features, such as:

o Online assessments o Report cards o Parent notification system o Create reports to audit data

1 Refer to the “Student Information System Evaluation” table for information gathered from survey.

Delega&onofAuthoritytoExecuteSISContract

• Purpose of contract: purchase new Student Information System (SIS) for entire region for 2016-17 school year, with time for implementation and training beginning in Spring 2016.

• Total cost for 2016-17: purchase of Illuminate SIS not to exceed $40,000.

• Duration: end on or before June 30, 2017 (in alignment with our 2016-17 fiscal year budget) or provide a termination clause.

• Legal compliance: the contract will comply with all applicable laws.

• Data and Assessment: continue to finalize CWC LA data and assessment platform.

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