SEIAG-99-03 - NMIS: DATA INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT VERSION 3
Purpose
This paper seeks the formal approval of a revised Data Interchange Agreement (DIA) and proposes an official launch. The views of Group members on the arrangements for maintenance of the DIA are also sought.
Background
A National Management Information Systems Project was set up in December 1994 to facilitate electronic exchange in Scottish school education for the benefit of all. The current DIA (Version 1) was drafted in 1996 principally to cover secondary school profile and school census requirements.
Since then, further development work has been undertaken to consider the needs of the primary, special and pre-school sectors and the developing requirements of the partners involved in the project. This work has resulted in the drafting of a revised DIA, an abridged copy of which is attached.
Formal approval of Data Interchange Agreement version 3
This revised DIA (version 3) has been the subject of considerable consultation with partners in the NMIS Project. It is recommended that the Group formally approve the draft.
Launch of Data Interchange Agreement version 3
It is proposed that the DIA should be officially launched early in the New Year, with a copy available on a new NMIS web site. It is recommended that the launch also be accompanied by a distribution of leaflets to schools, to update them on the progress of the NMIS project and to promote the new web site.
Implementation of DIA Version 3 will begin immediately, so that data transfer can take place from August 2000. In 2000-01 and 2001-02, both Version 1 and Version 3 will be available to partners.
Maintenance of the Data Interchange Agreement
The DIA is a working document and needs to be maintained. Requests for change can come from a number of different parties and involve, for example, updated codelists, introduction of new items and tables, restructuring of existing tables and changes to recipients of data items. Maintenance procedures, including mechanisms for requesting and making changes, are required.
It is proposed that all significant requests for change be submitted to SEIAG for consideration. In practice, such requests could be dealt with by a sub group or communication network, rather than the main SEIAG group.
Group members are asked to consider how the maintenance procedures should operate, including mechanisms for requesting and making changes. The group should also consider the frequency with which changes might be implemented. For example, should changes be implemented as and when required, which could lead to a state of constant change, or should there be an annual (or less frequent) timetable to allow stability. Whilst long periods without change would be beneficial in terms of stability and consistency, it could reduce the usefulness of the data exchanged and lead to additional ad hoc data requests.
Action
- Group members are asked to formally approve DIA version 3.
- Group members are asked to comment on the proposals for the official launch of DIA version 3.
- Comments are also sought on the procedures for maintaining the DIA.
Scottish Executive Education Department
Education Statistics Division
November 1999