3rd Party Integration - SSIS FAQ

Questions

Questions & Answers

Q: How will our current software integrate with the SSIS?

A: All districts will implement a core set of modules as a part of the project but there will be districts that have specific needs that the system may not meet or a product that a district decides it will use instead of one provided in the system. These very specific situations will be addressed with DPI and the vendor and these systems may need to be integrated with the new SSIS. The SSIS Team has assembled a list of 3rd party applications so districts do not have to reinvent the wheel to integrate the systems or incur large programming costs to do so. These situations will be identified and discussed as a part of the “Discovery” step within the Implementation Plan each district will progress through with DPI and the vendor.

Q: What systems could be integrated with a SIS?

A: A common, centralized SSIS will make it possible to have a technical connection between the SSIS and systems such as benchmark assessments (like MAP), learning management systems (like Moodle), and curriculum mapping systems. Providing such connections would automate integration tasks, and virtually eliminate the need for districts to repeat such integration tasks.

Q: Will the SSIS be compatible with Gmail?

A: The system will interact with Gmail as any other email system and have the ability to send and receive messages from them.

Q: What will happen to our current systems that duplicate functionality of the SSIS?

A: Districts will have the opportunity to discontinue using systems that duplicate functionality and enjoy the benefits of comprehensive and integrated functions. This could also lower overall district operational costs as well.

Q: Will current systems that are not compatible with the new SIS need to be replaced?

A: Every effort will be made to integrate existing systems with the new SSIS.

Q: Will the SSIS include IEP software including the ability to create and modify forms?

A: The Special Education Module was given considerable weight when the various products were evaluated. Access to the modules and the features will be based on the job functions a staff members has. This will be determined at the district level with input from staff. Once that is determined, training will be provided to staff (see training for more information). The vendor will assist the district in developing the forms to meet the needs of the district and the students they serve.

Q: How is curriculum and assessment built into the SSIS?

A:Curriculum mapping and progress on standards are an integral part of the assessment system within the product. All the Wisconsin and national standards will be prepopulated in the system saving the district valuable time in entering and maintaining them. State level assessment data will be entered directly into the system and will again save the districts from having to enter it. Local assessment data will be able to be entered as well allowing reports to be developed to inform instruction using a blend of data to meet the needs of the district and their students.

Q: Will we be able to generate reports from the data we input into the SSIS?

A: The SSIS will provide tools to generate reports for data that is input by the district staff.

Q: Will the SSIS support multiple languages?

A: The SSIS will support multiple languages.

Q: Will the SSIS be flexible enough to meet our local district level data needs?

A:The SSIS will allow local assessment data to be input to the system and used in reports.

For questions about this information, contact Lisa Jo VonAllmen (608) 267-9222