All of that data you have can be put to good use—and we have a variety of ways to extract it from your SIS and backend systems. Whether it's to make eChalk even easier by prepopulating people or classes or to push different bits of information out to teachers, students and parents who need it, our data integration services ensure eChalk is the one-stop shop your school community deserves to get access to the information they need.

Data Transfer

Enables transfer, from the district’s or school's student information system (SIS), LDAP/Active Directory, human resources database or other data source, of subjects and courses, classes, student class rosters, user accounts and username and passwords (where applicable), through one or more of the following transmission methods:

Bulk Class and Student Roster Load

Data transfer through email. Pre-creates classes and prepopulates online class rosters. This service includes creation of all new classes, reconfiguration of current classes (when necessary) and association of teachers and students to the classes. Includes 4 data loads per year.

SFT

Automatic weekly file data transfer over HTTPS using eChalk's Secure File Transfer (SFT) software installed on a school or district server. This configuration includes consulting to install and configure SFT at the district, test the data transmission and ongoing technical support.

SFT - LDAP

Automatic weekly file data transfer over HTTPS of LDAP user accounts. This configuration can extract user information directly from your Novell, Microsoft or any LDAP-enabled system to files on the school or district server which are transferred on a scheduled basis. SFT - LDAP also includes the option to enable login integration to eChalk.

SIF

For Versions 2.0 or 1.5r1, eChalk’s SIF Agent will request and receive data from the district’s Zone Integration Server (ZIS) to implement user accounts, classes and populate classes with students. This configuration includes consulting to configure and register eChalk to the ZIS.

Web Services

Provides an API for districts that wish to use web services to implement users, classes or class rosters. This option requires programming to extract data from district servers and call the web service API.

Data Certification

Required for a district to take advantage of any of the eChalk Data Transfer services, ODBC and SIS Window. An eChalk Data Specialist will provide the school or district with requirements for data fields, format and processing necessary for Data Transfer services and test a transfer of data from the district to certify that future transfers and implementations will operate correctly.

Data Consulting

Brings school and district data into conformity with eChalk’s requirements for Data Certification. An eChalk Data Specialist will identify which requirements are not met and work with the district in the iterative process of improving the data and achieving certification.

ODBC

ODBC is an open protocol that allows eChalk to query the customer’s SIS database. In conjunction with our partner, Discovery Software Ltd., we can extract data for a school or district without manual intervention and import it to their eChalk system. This service supports user updates, class rosters, populate classes with students and grade transfer.

Single Sign-On Setup

This service leverages the use of LAN or Network Account logins. Clients interested in implementing single sign-on to eChalk using existing network credentials, but who are not interested in implementing SSO in conjunction with other data transfer services, may do so.

SIS Window (with Anytime Package only)

Enables schools or districts to show specific data stored in their current student information system (SIS) (i.e., grades, attendance, teacher notes) using the current SIS system’s web interface, within the password-protected area of their eChalk system for teachers, students and/or parents. Service covers integration discussion, technical implementation and testing. The district’s SIS system must have a web-based grade publishing application that supports form post pass-through authentication.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption

SSL encryption provides additional security for the transmission of login information. Optionally, all web requests may be securely transmitted from the browser to the eChalk servers.