Fall 2006 Statistical Reports -- Memo to Superintendents and Charter School Leaders

To:Superintendents and Charter School Leaders
From:David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Date:September 18, 2006
The following reports are required this fall:
ReportLevelFormatDue Date
1. SIMS Data elementsStudentData file via webNov. 16
2. District and School Staffing ReportDistrict and SchoolElectronic web formNov. 9
3. School Safety and Discipline ReportIncident/StudentElectronic web formJuly 31, 2007
4. Individual Non-Public School Report*Non-Public SchoolPaperNov. 9
* Not applicable for charter schools and regional vocational schools.

Student Information Management System (SIMS)

This fall we will continue to collect the SIMS 52 data elements. We have modified and removed several data elements to ensure that Massachusetts will be in compliance with the federal reporting requirements. Please refer to the SIMS website for additional information.

District and School Staffing Report (DSSR)

The DSSR contains important information regarding Highly Qualified Teachers and Qualified Paraprofessionals. The data reported in the DSSR will be used to populate the Department's Report Card application in February 2007. Review this report carefully to ensure that accurate information is available in your district and school report cards. Please note that this will be the final year the Department will be collecting staff information through the DSSR. This October more than 30 districts will be participating in the Education Personnel Information Management System (EPIMS) pilot data collection. In the fall of 2007 the Department will move forward with statewide implementation of EPIMS, which will replace the District and School Staffing Report. Once the pilot phase is complete, training of EPIMS will begin. Please refer to the EPIMS website for additional information.

School Safety and Discipline Report

This application is available throughout the year so that district staff can enter the information as the incidents occur. If your district has this information available in an electronic format, a second option for reporting is available. Instructions to send a School Safety and Discipline File can be found at: School Safety Discipline Report (SSDR).

Individual Non-Public School Report

Paper copies of the reports will be mailed directly to the schools. Principals have been instructed to complete these reports and return them to your office by October 20, allowing you time to review them and forward to us by November 9, 2006. Copies of the four reports listed above can be found at the following site under the 'Sample Forms' column at: SIMS Schedule. Instructions and additional documentation can also be found at this link under the 'Technical Assistance' column.

Directory Administration Functions Listing

In order for Department staff to be able to communicate effectively with school district staff it is important that this information be up to date. Please review your district information in the District and School Profiles and update the information as needed in Directory Administration. Any district staff member who is a Directory Administrator can make the changes. In addition, if you have changes to grade levels or need to close or open a school, please notify us using the notification forms located on our website at Directory Administration. If you have any questions about the fall reports, please call 781-338-DATA (3282). Thank you for your cooperation.



Last Updated: September 19, 2006



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