An Open Source Application to Cut Your SIS Costs - Joseph P. Roadman, Educators' eZine

With technology pricing on the rise, districts are now searching for solutions that will comply with the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act. Administrators are now looking for a Student Information System (SIS) that will provide them with the best possible solution to comply with NCLB and not "break the bank." Some of these districts cannot afford expensive technology upgrades, licensure, and support personnel due to the lack of funding in their annual budget. However, there may be a solution for all of their districts woes. There has been a steady rise in the production of open source applications, some of which could greatly decrease the annual funding needed to implement a full technology plan. This solution can associate all of the district's needs into one package — from lesson plans and grading to operating systems and software needs. Some of these software packages allow parents to view their children's grades, attendance, discipline, and schedule by logging in through a secure client.

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