We develop tools and processes that help districts work smarter, not harder. Whether it’s developing new test parsers or preventing data entry errors before they occur, our focus is always on saving staff time while improving accuracy. These tools reduce repetitive tasks, standardize best practices, and create consistent workflows across schools. The result is fewer headaches, faster turnaround, and systems that simply work the way districts need them to.
Import Parsers That Take the Guesswork Out of Assessment Data
Assessment score files are rarely delivered in a format ready for FOCUS. Layouts change, new tests are introduced, and guidance isn’t always clear. PAEC Student Data Services removes that complexity by building and maintaining custom Import Parsers that translate raw score files into FOCUS-ready imports using the FOCUS Import Tools.
Our parsers eliminate the need for districts to write code or manually enter test records, saving time and reducing errors. We keep all parsers aligned with FLDOE Appendix L and work closely with the state to ensure every assessment and test part in FOCUS is set up exactly as required—allowing districts to confidently import scores, whether preliminary or final, and ensuring clean FASTER imports across districts.
Edit Rules Project
Data entry and MIS staff spend a great deal of time correcting errors prior to each survey using the FOCUS Verification Reports. FOCUS also has the ability for district MIS to create custom Edit Rules on the front end of the system to prompt data entry staff of mistakes before they can save them. However, the process to develop custom Edit Rules is time consuming and can require SQL knowledge and a great deal of testing. PAEC SDS has developed and documented all of the front end Edit Rules that cover the Student Demographic, ESE, ELL and Prior School Status state level edits and validations and we’ve implemented these edit rules for all of our districts. Now whenever Data Entry staff begins entering this data, they immediately get prompted of any mistakes so they can correct them before they save. This has led to a much more efficient workflow, saving staff a great deal of time. This is just the beginning of this project as we will continue to add more formats to these built-in edit rules.
