Supporting SWIS 5 using S-DEX

There are many new features for schools to use in their ongoing efforts to define problems with precision and make their schools more effective learning environments for all students. 

In addition, features are available to you through SDEX

1. Data maps include all new category labels in latest version of SWIS
2. To take advantage of new labels in SWIS, you will need to use a new file format in SDEX.
3. If your schools have used Extra Information fields to accommodate a data integration solution, you will need to transition to using the new file format for SDEX.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Based on user feedback, we have added new category labels to the list of Behaviors and Actions Taken. A list of all lookup values is available here.

All data currently entered in the Extra Information Fields will be migrated over to Custom Fields in each school’s SWIS account. To access the data through SDEX, you will need to reference the Custom Field columns in the file. 

If you don’t utilize the Extra Information Fields in SWIS, you can continue using the default file layout you have used with SWIS 4. The only change you’ll want to make is to your mapping document to accommodate the label changes. 

New File Layout to Include New Features

If you would like to take advantage of the new labels available in SWIS or need to reference Custom Fields in place of Extra Information Fields, you will have the option to download data in a new file layout. An example of the new CSV layout is available here.

In addition to accessing the Custom Field columns, here is a list of additional features available within the new format:

Multiple Problem Behaviors/Actions Taken per Referral

Within SWIS, schools will have the option of selecting multiple behaviors and/or multiple action takesn per referral. The school will identify the primary behavior and/or the primary administrative action taken for each referral in addition to the secondary behaviors and action taken. 

Schools can choose to turn this functionality on as a preference in School Settings. Each school will identify how many behaviors and/or actions taken are allowed per referral. 

Behavior Sub-Types

Based on federal reporting requirements, we have given schools the ability to track subcategories for two behaviors: Harassment and Weapons. There are default subcategories for both Behaviors. Schools can also establish their own defaults. For example: If a student is referred for Harassment, the data entry user would additionally identify the type of harassment.

Schools can choose to turn this on as a preference in School Settings. In SDEX, the subcategory information is only available if Weapons or Harassment is listed as the primary behavior. For a list of default identifiers for the subcategories, please take a look at the lookup values listed here.