Year in a review

RISE Grants Overview and Key Highlights

  • Main Focus for the Year:

    • Emphasis on accessibility compliance.
    • Working on web content accessibility guidance.

  • Applications Impacted:

    • New collections for WISE applications:
    • Credentialed applications such as Wise Data Portal and Wise Admin.
    • Collaboration with Josh and his team on accessibility efforts.

  • User Group Meetings:

    • Regular discussions about upgrades and future user groups.
    • Anticipation for future system impacts.
    • Metaphor: "running like dust" to indicate busy backend operations.

Data Elements and Descriptors

  • Expansion of Data Elements:

    • Increased adoption of descriptors affecting vendors.
    • Example provided:
    • Descriptors for first grade: "first", "first", "and", "grade".

  • Potential Issues for Vendors:

    • New descriptors may cause breaking problems for schools in the 2026-2027 school year.
    • Vendor awareness stated; preparations underway.

Data Flow and API Enhancements

  • Overview of Data Flow:

    • Data flows from SIS vendors and EdTech vendors into the API.
    • Data parsing sent to data warehouse and operational data stores.
    • Primarily used for state and federal reporting.

  • Enhancements to API Use:

    • Examples of systems pulling data from the API instead of the data warehouse (e.g., DRC and forward exams).
    • Opportunity for tech vendors to integrate additional data through the API.

Identity API and Data Collection

  • Optional Data Collection Implementation:

    • Identity API introduced for WiseEye integration.
    • Sync capability to create and update WiseEyeDesk for both students and staff.

  • Vendor Engagement Recommended:

    • Engagement with vendors for adoption of new functionalities.
    • Clarification on how this functionality assists in roster management.

Updates on CTE (Career and Technical Education)

  • CTE Program Reporting Updates:
    • Transition from 16 CTE categories to 14 categories for course assignment.
    • Streamlined process aims to simplify reporting on concentrators and participations.

Graduation Status Process

  • New Graduation Status Opt-Out Function:

    • Administrators can opt students into sharing graduation status through Wise Admin.
    • A designed goal to simplify information verification for various stakeholders (employers, secondary educators).

  • Intended Future State Objective:

    • Similar to the GED/HSED website for tracking graduation status.

    • Information will lead to less influx of transcript requests.

Recent Legislative Updates

  • Change in FTE Coding for 4K Students:
    • Under Act 15, 4K student coding changed to point 6 FTE starting this year.
    • WAMs retirement will affect vendor verification processes.

Dashboard Developments

  • Homeless by Program Dashboard:

    • User can monitor student status monthly.
    • Enhanced visual representation via interactive maps for school finance.

  • Report Dashboard for ACT/Pre-ACT Comparisons:

    • Implementing feedback tools to compare ACT data at the state level.
    • Encouragement for user feedback on future tool development.

Upcoming Changes and Login System Updates

  • Retirement of WAMs by June 30:

    • Transition options provided, including:
    • Google login (recommended) and My Wisconsin ID.
    • Advisement to use the same email for transitioning to My Wisconsin ID.

  • Accessibility Work in Various Applications:

    • Upgrades in navigation for tools like School Referee Public.
    • Focus on enhancing accessibility for User Interfaces (UIs) in YSecure and directory management applications.

Technical Support and User Engagement

  • Webpage Reorganization in Partner Support:

    • Extensive review and restructuring of existing content in the provider’s support resources.

  • Mental Health Emphasis in Conference Sessions:

    • Encouragement to focus on mental health amidst busy work schedules.
    • Interactive breathing exercises introduced for relaxation during sessions.

  • Engagement in Conference Activities:

    • Collection bins for raffle tickets and prize entries available during the conference.
    • Encouragement for networking and sharing ideas in future stages.