4is Project

Dedham Public Schools’ (DPS) Information Integration Improvement Initiative (4i’s)

The Dedham Public Schools’ (DPS) Information Integration Improvement Initiative (4i’s) began in 2014 with the expressed purpose to provide consistent and accurate information through improved process and work flows for gathering and updating data and improve access to data through better reporting which will lead to improved efficiencies, more communication and better decision making.

The power of data quality helps the district work smarter not harder while improving data and reclaiming time. Data continues to explode as does the potential information available from this data. DPS strives to use the best vendor databases and this requires effective integration of data. DPS continues to improve this integration with our 4i’s (Information Integration Improvement Initiative) project. We have a successful implementation of many data connectors for student and staff data and have made significant improvements with Single Sign On (SSO) for students and staff. Continued improvement to data integration efforts for staff data requires examination and redefinition of administrative routines toward improved efficiency. In this same vein, improvement efforts toward a full electronic recordkeeping system for staff and students within the boundaries of legal requirements and effective practices require changes in procedures.

Goals of the Information Integration Improvement Initiative include:

• Improve data quality and reduce repetitive data entry

• Reduce the number of data entry point

• Increase frequency of synchronized data

• Automate applications to streamline labor costs

The following graphic provides an example overview of how data flows between best in class databases in use at the Dedham Public Schools. As we strive to improve, consistent change will be required as upgrades and new products are implemented and our processes change.