State Task Order Summaries - Pennsylvania

Contact Person: Gerald Hottinger

FY 2003 | FY 2002 | FY 2001

Pennsylvania FY 2003
Task Order: $80,000
Demonstration of State Data Collection Using Data Warehouse and Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) Concepts Phase II

This proposed task order from Pennsylvania will be work on testing the concept that School Interoperability Framework (SIF) data elements relating to students can be collected at predetermined sites statewide using new technology standards like SIF, XML and HTTPS. The primary objective of this proposal is to create SIF objects relating to human resources and school finances. Using both human resources and financial SIF objects, the project seeks to show that data in these two additional important areas can be appropriately managed and moved using SIF concepts. The ability to manage human resources information in this way will greatly increase the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s ability to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress aspects of NCLB, providing them with detailed information on school staffing.

the conclusion of this project, there will be available SIF drafts and a final report that explains successes, failures, and any areas that might hinder state or nationwide implementation. In addition, the report will include any relevant information about NCLB requirements and any SIF activities that relate to seamless reporting between school districts, the SEA, and the federal government.

While the short length of FY03 task orders means that only the specifically described work can take place, this task will provide valuable information for the whole nation on how to better meet NCLB requirements.

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Pennsylvania FY 2002
Task Order: $80,000
Demonstration of State Data Collection Using Data Warehouse and Schools Interoperability Framework Concepts

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) received task order funding to partner with the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), a regional educational unit, to use new technology standards like the Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) to improve the collection of student-related data from LEAs. The two major goals for this project were to test the concept that SIF data elements relating to students could be collected at a predetermined site statewide using newer technology standards such as SIF, XML, and HTTPS. The second was to work aggressively with SIF personnel through established SIF committees and other available avenues to ensure that proper formats are used to allow CCD reporting.

The major activities required to achieve these goals include:

• Create a student-related data warehouse and populate it with data from two districts
• Investigate the requirements of involving another school district using software that is not currently SIF enabled
• Continue and increase participation at SIF meetings to strongly advocate the development and maintenance of standards that support state and federal reporting
• Draft final report and submit findings at NCES conference

Work was scheduled to begin in February 2002 and conclude by February 2003.

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Pennsylvania FY 2001
Task Order: $50,000
Education Geographic Information System (GIS)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) received task order funding to develop and maintain a Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is a technology for storing, managing, retrieving, and manipulating data on education through the basis of census differences and geographic details. In the past, PDE has attempted to pursue a GIS project, but without proper funding it was not successful. Upon completion of this GIS project, it is anticipated that PDE would maintain perpetual school district boundaries, would be able to better respond to CCD questions on school locations, and would be able to better provide citizens with relevant customized information about local schools.

The major activities of this project include:

• Explore the possibilities - Hire a contractor to prepare and deliver, from existing data, a short presentation on the possibilities of GIS
• Needs Assessment - Contractor would meet with interested agencies to elicit ideas for how GIS might be incorporated into workflow and reporting requirements
• Data Compilation - Contractor would also work to assemble relevant and necessary geographic data and, would establish storage requirements and locations for these data on the PDE server
• Map Preparation - Contractor would design a standard format for thematic maps depicting PDE data
• ArcView Training - Contractor would deliver a two-day ArcView training class for up to twelve PDE staff members
• School Location Mapping - Contractor would pinpoint the location of every school building in Pennsylvania
• Analytic and Reporting Tools - Contractor would develop customized tools for in-house and web based use

Work on this task order was scheduled to begin in January 2001 and conclude by December 2001. The first deliverable was submitted in August 2001. This deliverable did not identify any particular work which had been completed, but included a revised timeline with work beginning in September 2001 and being completed in July 2002.

The second deliverable for this project identified Digital Infrastructure Inc. as the major contractor for this project, with several meetings having taken place between contractors and PDE staff. The contractor conducted the presentation on GIS software and collected feedback to begin the needs assessment. The Data compilation task was also begun. In addition, two ArcView 8.1 software licenses were purchased and installed on PDE computers, with training for twelve PDE staff in use of the software. 2,620 out of 3,222 public schools in Pennsylvania were located to for the necessary mapping. The deliverable outlined significant progress made but some future concerns over locating some schools.

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