Products
eSchoolPLUS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 
Is eSchoolPLUS a true web based system?
Yes, our eSchoolPlus product is a pure web-based system that was designed and developed completely from the ground up utilizing only the latest web development languages and an intuitive browser-based interface. It contains no legacy code such as COBOL, LINC or any other legacy 4GL languages. In addition, it was developed as a single system, not an ‘integrated’ system like older legacy systems which have added ‘bolt on’ applications as they evolved over time. eSchoolPlus is a true and totally web-based student information system available for K-12 schools.
What is the difference between your eSchoolPLUS and StudentPLUS student information systems?
StudentPlus is our legacy student information system, which has evolved over time. It is an ideal system for those districts which desire a windows-based or ‘web-enabled’ solution and it offers the same robust features as our eSchoolPlus solution. It is however separate and apart from eSchoolPlus in that none of its legacy code was utilized in the development of eSchoolPlus.
What database does eSchoolPLUS use?
Currently eSchoolPlus utilizes Microsoft’s SQL Server database.
What server(s) can eSchoolPLUS run on?
eSchoolPlus runs on Windows type servers running IIS.
Is eSchoolPLUS certified for School’s Interoperability Framework (SIF-compliant)?
Yes. Not only is eSchoolPlus SIF 1.5 compliant, but it was the first Student Administrative System to receive that certification and has the largest list of compliant objects.
How does eSchoolPLUS help us with No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?
eSchoolPLUS tracks all the elements necessary to monitor and report NCLB status. Test scores, attendance, and graduation status can easily be disaggregated by ethnicity, program, and economic status. The system can monitor your AYP and produce a report card for each school in the District. Most importantly eSchoolPlus provides tools like dashboards to help administrators monitor status on an ongoing basis.
Is eSchoolPLUS a district-wide or building based system?
eSchoolPlus is a district-wide wide system which utilizes a single centralized database. This architecture eliminate the problematic exercise of data aggregation and provides a single, accurate and real-time district-wide student information database. Each individual building still has direct access and control over their students’ information and the system provides the flexibility to structure each individual school to best meet the needs of their students.
How can I learn more about school districts that are running eSchoolPLUS?
You can learn more about how other school districts are having success running eSchoolPlus, by checking out our Customer Success Stories. If you would like more information, please Contact Us.
How does eSchoolPLUS make life easier for Teachers?
eSchoolPlus helps teachers spend their time on education by providing them with an efficient classroom administration and parent communication system. Either right in their classroom or from home, teachers can use their web browser to quickly and easily enter attendance, manage grades and assignments, access student demographics, and send notes to parents regarding their students progress. Its intuitive browser interface is ‘teacher friendly’ and all information and updates are real-time and recorded on each student’s historical record.
Can parents benefit from eSchoolPLUS?
Parents and students benefit from eSchoolPlus through 24x7 web access to student information and the ability to easily communicate with teachers and district staff. Parents and students can view their assignments, grades, schedule, discipline incidents, and standardized test scores. If questions occur, they can easily contact a teacher by simply clicking on the teacher’s name to send an email.
What is involved in deploying eSchoolPLUS?
Since eSchoolPlus is a true web-based and centralized system the software is installed on centralized servers and there is no need to install any software on each individual desktop. Once installed on a web server, users simply use their web browser to quickly access the system.
What type of implementation and support services do your customers receive?
SunGard Public Sector provides comprehensive and reliable implementation services, which includes hardware configuration, installation, conversions and on-site training. On an on-going basis our customers have access to our state-of-the-art call center for web-based or phone support as well as a comprehensive product enhancement program.
Can eSchoolPLUS be hosted by another party or do we have to install and run it ourselves?
SunGard Public Sector offers eSchoolPlus in either a traditional on-site installation or in a hosted environment, Application Service Provider (ASP). Our ASP option can provide your district the ability to access and utilize our eSchoolPlus software solution without having to install any hardware or software at your location. Users would simply ‘click’ on an ICON to instantly access the applications and their data over the Internet. All application features, processing and data access would behave exactly as if the software were installed on site. Without having to purchase hardware, operating systems, databases, software licenses, upgrades, etc., this approach substantially reduces upfront implementation costs and offers a very predictable monthly fee. It also significantly reduces your technical staff’s time spent on system administration and maintenance tasks. At the same time, you have the security of knowing that you have complete control over your data and can access the applications from anywhere at anytime.
How do you make sure that our student data is safe and secure?
All application level security is managed within the software by granting users access rights by building to each application area or option within the software. User access to the application is managed through Active Directory in Windows Server 2003. All users must have a valid AD account and membership in the proper security groups. In addition, we fully support SSL under HTTPS.
Why should I change to eSchoolPLUS from my current student information system (SIS)?
Reasons for considering a change to a new student information system can vary and are typically dependent on each district’s individual situation. Some of the more common reasons include:
- The need for a centralized system to provide more accurate, consistent, real-time, secure and reportable district-wide student information.
- Improved system usability and design to enable staff to be more efficient.
- To put more potent and actionable information in the hands of all educational stakeholders including parents, teachers, administrators and board members.
- More extensive and flexible features to meet their student administration needs.
- A system that works as it should.
- Replace outdated or unsupportable technology with a system which utilizes current web technologies to provide a system that is flexible, open and easy to deploy.
eSchoolPlus addresses all of the above issues thereby providing an alternative solution for school districts experiencing these issues with their current student information system.
What productivity tools are available for administrators?
The system provides great flexible reporting and analysis tools for administrators. This makes data-driven decision making a reality. Dashboards are provided which allow the administrators to quickly monitor building and district performance metrics for enrollment, attendance, discipline, test scores, and at-risk students based upon thresholds they define.
Can eSchoolPLUS handle our complex scheduling requirements?
As a vendor who has developed and provided K-12 student scheduling algorithms for over 30 years we clearly recognize the critical nature of this application within your district. When we designed eSchoolPlus, we purposely focused on its ability to handle the many various and complex scheduling structures. As you take a closer look at the scheduling system, you will find a system that will provide you the flexibility to offer the most effective scheduling structure for your students today and in the future.
How does eSchoolPLUS meet your state requirements?
eSchoolPlus includes both the federal and state specific reporting that is required for your district. On an on-going basis, we have a state reporting team of programmers dedicated to analyze and update regulatory reporting as requirements change.