A student information system (SIS) is a software application for tracking and managing student data. School administrators use an SIS to store and analyze student performance data, track attendance, contact information, and more.
There are many features of student information systems, but some offer more robust features than others. When choosing an SIS for your school or district, it’s important to consider which features are most important to you. In most cases, having software that allows for custom fields for an SIS software will be the easiest for students and administrators.
In this article, we will explore eight essential student information system features in order to be effective.
1. Student ID Number
Each student in your district must have a unique identifier, typically called a student ID number. This number is used to track the student’s data throughout their time in the district and makes it easy for administrators to pull up a specific student’s information.
2. Name and Contact Information
Your SIS should store each student’s legal name, as well as any nicknames or aliases they go by. You should also be able to track their contact information, including their home address, phone number, and email address.
3. Academic History
One of the most important functions of an SIS is tracking a student’s academic history. This includes their courses, grades, and credits earned. Many SIS applications also allow you to track a student’s GPA and class rank.
4. Scheduling and Registration
A student information system can also be used to track a student’s schedule and course registration. This is important for ensuring that students are taking the courses they need to graduate on time.
5. Attendance in a SIS
Another essential function of an SIS is tracking attendance. This data can be used to identify patterns of absenteeism and identify students who are at risk of dropping out.
6. Assessment Scores
If your district gives standardized assessments, such as the SAT or ACT, your SIS should be able to track and store these scores. This data can be used to measure student progress and identify areas of need.
7. Discipline Records
Your SIS should also be able to track discipline records. This data can be used to identify students who are at risk of dropping out or getting involved in crime.
8. Health Information
Finally, your SIS should be able to track the health information of each student. This includes immunizations, physical exams, and any allergies or chronic health conditions. This data is important for ensuring that students are healthy and safe.
An effective student information system is essential for tracking and managing student data. When choosing an SIS for your school or district, be sure to consider which features are most important to you. And be sure to look for an SIS that includes all eight of the essential fields listed above.
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