data Services
pims training
MCIU Data Services can provide a variety of PIMS trainings to help district employees improve their skills and understanding in the many areas of PIMS reporting. Example sessions include an introduction to PIMS, understanding the PIMS manuals and calendars, uploading data to PIMS, collection-specific error resolution, and verifying submission data through COGNOS reports.
All trainings can be on site or at the IU and customized to a district’s needs.
pims consulting
MCIU Data Services can provide onsite, in-depth PIMS support that is customized to a district’s needs, including training new PIMS administrators, configuring student information systems for PIMS reporting, and providing temporary coverage when PIMS administrators leave.
excel training
MCIU Data Services offers multiple levels of trainings designed to enhance the ability of district staff to check data using Microsoft Excel. Sample sessions and topics include:
- Basic: Introduction to Excel, basic calculations and formulas
- Intermediate: Importing and exporting CSV files, filtering and sorting, and intermediate-level formulas
- Advanced: Creating and slicing pivot tables and charts, pre-validating Data Quality Engine rules, and developing custom data dashboards
child accounting consulting
MCIU Data Services can provide consultative services with districts that are designed to facilitate the submission of child accounting data through PIMS. Sample services include training new district child accounting staff, child accounting rules and terminology, and submitting child accounting data to PIMS.
child count (special ed data) consulting
MCIU Data Services can provide specialized consultative services with districts that are designed to facilitate the submission of special education submissions through PIMS/PennData. Sample services include an introduction to Child Count, student information system configuration, and collection-specific error resolution.
data quality curriculum (dqc)
MCIU offers the DQC, which is a statewide initiative that offers online courses at no cost to anyone who is interested in expanding their knowledge of various PDE reporting requirements (PIMS, Child Accounting, Special Ed, etc.). For more information on the available DQC tracks and specialty modules please visit www.padqc.org.
Data Quality Network, State Wide Video conference (DQN)
All are welcome to participate in the monthly DQN meetings. These meetings cover a diverse area of PIMS and data related subjects; we work in conjunction with PDE to cover PIMS collection specific topics. DQN meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Please visit www.padqn.com for more information and to review the most recent agenda.
Montgomery County Data Quality Network
To complement the DQN statewide meetings, we host an afternoon local networking meeting on the third Wednesday of the month 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Â Topics discussed are provided by PIMS administrators and data managers of our LEAs. Participants can share their issues and challenges with the group for feedback and discussion. Come learn from colleagues in the same boat as you.
powerschool sis services
MCIU offers hosting, implementation, support, and training services for the PowerSchool Student Information System. PowerSchool is a web-based information system that allows teachers and administrators to access critical functions from any computer. The web-based grade book tool allows teachers to create assignments, track grades, and keep attendance online. Administrators can easily access the school-specific and district-wide data to make timely and strategic decisions. A parent portal module keeps the parents up-to-date with all the information they need to help insure their child’s academic success.
Data Analysis
MCIU offers a variety of data analysis services including data gathering, cleaning and mapping, developing custom data dashboards, and data analysis training and consultation. These services are tailored to the specific needs of an LEA.
Data Audits
MCIU’s data evaluation process is designed to assess the quality and effectiveness of an LEA’s data systems along with how well they interact with each other. A final data audit report is developed with specific recommendations on how to improve an LEA’s efficiency and quality of data.
Advanced-Data SIS Services
MCIU offers SIS implementation, administration, and maintenance along with ongoing technical support on an as-needed basis. This service can be offered onsite or remote per the needs of the LEA.
