Making the Grade: How to Grade Your Current Student Information System (SIS)

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A Student Information System is a foundational technology solution for school districts, acting as the command center of your school community. It is the system of record for student data, helping to connect and inform various stakeholders, from front office staff and school teachers to parents, guardians, and students. When it works well, the SIS is ... Read more

5 Methods to Assess the Value of Your School District’s EdTech Product Portfolio

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Shrinking budgets and increased staff demands have districts nationwide assessing their EdTech solutions. From managing student enrollment and forms to delivering classroom lessons, your EdTech investments should benefit your staff and students, delivering value that justifies their costs. Measuring the value your school receives from its EdTech products can help identify opportunities for consolidation and ... Read more

The High Cost of Adding Third-Party Solutions to Your Student Information System Suite

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As schools nationwide face reduced funding and rising demands for student services, many K-12 districts need to find cost-saving opportunities. Education leaders are forced to make tough decisions about what to prioritize: Should they cut extracurricular programs or reduce the number of staff members? While these decisions are highly visible, other opportunities to reduce spending ... Read more

Madison Public Schools Improves Operations and Student Support with MISTAR-Q SIS

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For over 15 years, Madison District Public Schools has utilized MISTAR-Q, a Student Information System suite (SIS) specifically tailored to the needs of Michigan school districts. At the core of Madison Schools’ mission is the commitment to student success and ongoing innovation. The MISTAR-Q suite has played a pivotal role in supporting this mission with ... Read more

10 Questions You Should Ask When Selecting a Student Information System Vendor

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Choosing the right Student Information System (SIS) is an important decision for any district. An effective SIS does more than manage student data; it enhances the overall efficiency of the school's operations. With vendors today offering a wide variety of features, finding a provider whose solution best fits your district should be done through a ... Read more

Tips to Meeting CALPADS Compliance Requirements for the New School Year

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For school districts across California, meeting CALPADS requirements is not just a task—it's a critical responsibility. Accurate student data reporting is vital for securing state funding, evaluating program success, and monitoring student progress. Ensuring compliance with CALPADS also helps districts maintain accountability and transparency.  While many educators understand the importance of CALPADS compliance, the process ... Read more

How Teachers Can Drive Student Engagement with a Data-Driven Approach

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Teachers have more tools at their disposal than ever to monitor student engagement and participation. One of the most powerful resources is the Student Information System (SIS). By leveraging data analytics within their SIS, educators can gain valuable insights into student performance, learning styles, and engagement levels.   Adopting a data-driven approach enables administrators and teachers ... Read more

6 Actionable Strategies to Improve Attendance by Boosting Student Wellness

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Attendance is a crucial metric for success in K-12 education. With chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school days—rising from the pandemic, returning to regular levels of student attendance is a significant challenge for many districts. This issue impacts not only students' academic performance but also their long-term well-being.  Numerous factors, particularly those ... Read more

How Oakland Schools Transformed District Staff Training with Q Academy

oakland schools
Effective staff training is critical for school districts to keep their operations running smoothly and efficiently as educational demands evolve. Oakland Schools, an intermediate school district (ISD) in Michigan, realized its in-person, traditional training methods could not easily meet the district’s needs and sought to re-vamp its training program.  The ISD chose Q Academy, a ... Read more

A Comprehensive Guide to a Smooth K-12 Student Information System Implementation

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Implementing a new SIS isn't just about adopting new software; it's about transforming a school district's operations. The right SIS can enhance administrative efficiency, improve communication, and ultimately support student success. However, achieving these benefits depends on a well-crafted implementation strategy.   Switching to a new K-12 Student Information System (SIS) can be a large undertaking ... Read more