The package's graphical interface includes a seating chart with pictures of students as they are arranged in the classroom. Each teacher may select and organize the display of index cards and select colors to suit his or her preferences. The platform-independent system reduces paperwork and eliminates scan forms that can be lost or misread. After logging on with a password, teachers gain access to the photos and data for their students. They may monitor absences and tardies by course as well as by period.
Records are automatically updated on the main file server.
Principal Keizer says the visual seating charts especially help substitute teachers, who can then better place students' names with faces. She adds that SASIxp allows all teachers to more effectively communicate with parents by putting reliable information at their fingertips. Now that the attendance module has been successfully tested, the county next plans to implement the Grade Reporting component, with which teachers can input grades and other pertinent data. Electronic transcripts will include courses completed and in progress, GPAs, rank, narrative, deficiencies, test scores and more. For example, he says, teachers can more quickly respond to frequent absences, not to mention more serious problems such as medical emergencies.