SchoolTool SMS

SchoolTool is an American, web-based comprehensive educational software product developed by Mindex,[1][2] a software development company based in Rochester, New York. As an SMS (Student Management System), SchoolTool[3] is specifically designed to assist educational institutions in New York with the management of student data, administrative tasks, and communication. Its web-based nature allows for easy access and use by schools, school districts, parents, and students.[4]

SchoolTool by Mindex
Developer(s)Mindex Technologies, Inc.
Initial releaseJune 30, 2000
Stable release
2023 (v20.4)
TypeStudent information system
Websitewww.schooltool.com
SchoolTool by Mindex Technologies, Inc.
TypePrivately held company
IndustryEducational software
FoundedJune 30, 2000 (2000-06-30) in Rochester, NY, United States
FounderMarc C. Fiore
Headquarters
Rochester, New York
Area served
New York State
Key people
Michael Terzis (Chief Product Officer)
ProductsSchoolTool
ServicesEducational Software
Number of employees
389

Product Overview

SchoolTool, developed by Mindex,[2] is a web-based student management system (SMS) that falls under the United States International Classifications (IC). It offers a range of software.

SchoolTool is an online non-downloadable software designed to facilitate school management within the scope of IC 042. It operates on a software-as-a-service (SAAS) model, providing cloud computing services for schools and school districts. The software offers tools for student information management, scheduling, grading, assignment and discipline tracking, billing, financial management, and reporting and analysis. It aims to streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency in educational institutions. SchoolTool is developed by Mindex and has been in operation since 2000.

History

In 1999, the East Rochester UFSD initiated a search for a web-based Student Management System or also referred to as a student information system, to streamline their administrative processes.[5] After a thorough evaluation of proposals from various companies, Mindex was selected as the developer for SMS. The subsequent year marked a significant milestone as Mindex collaborated closely with East Rochester UFSD staff to gather requirements and insights, leading to the creation of a functional specification. In 2001, Mindex built and launched SchoolTool, New York State's first web-based student management system, which was subsequently implemented at the East Rochester UFSD during the 2001–2002 academic year.[6]

In 2009, the Greater Southern Tier Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) collaborated with Mindex to enhance SchoolTool's capabilities with highly configurable features. Mindex developed custom alerts, such as User Defined Screens (UDS) and User Designed Alerts (UDA), to enable users to store and access personalized data, including assessments from sources beyond New York. These custom alerts proved especially valuable during the pandemic when schools established their own benchmarks due to the unavailability of New York State testing.[7][8]

In 2015, Mindex introduced the SchoolTool Mobile App,[9] providing students and parents with access to educational information anytime, anywhere, further enhancing the user experience.[10][11]

In 2020, SchoolTool underwent a significant transition to Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Hosting, a move aimed at improving speed, enhancing security, and unlocking the potential for future advancements. Mindex, the driving force behind SchoolTool, holds the status of being a certified AWS Advanced Tier Partner.[12][13]

Organization

Mindex, a software application company, is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Situated in the heart of Monroe County, Rochester has emerged as a prominent hub for technology and innovation.[14]

Leadership

Marc C. Fiore is the President and Owner of Mindex, a software company.[15][16] Michael Terzis joined Mindex as the Vice President of SchoolTool and has since been promoted to the role of Chief Product Officer for the company.[17]

Headquarters

New Building in Downtown Rochester, NY

The former Genesee Hospital campus in Rochester, New York underwent a noteworthy transformation as construction commenced on a new building. The project received $350,000 worth of state assistance.[18][19] The building was situated on the expansive eight-acre Alex Park[20] site on Alexander Street and became the headquarters of Mindex Technologies, a software company.[21] The 78,000-square-foot building was designed to accommodate Mindex on the first floor, while the upper floors were designated for 48 studio and one-bedroom apartments.[1][22][23][24] In 2021, Mindex was honored with the Coolest Spaces award by the Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) in Rochester, New York, for its workspace design and environment. This recognition placed Mindex in the company of 29 other notable winners, including organizations like the Canandaigua National Bank Technology Center, NextCorps, RIT City Art Space, and the Highline.

Partnerships

OneRoster

In 2023, Mindex obtained the OneRoster Certification,[25][26] affirming the system's adherence to industry standards for seamless data interoperability. This certification allows SchoolTool to integrate with various educational platforms, facilitating the exchange of student data, course information, and other relevant data points.

Partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Mindex entered into a partnership to establish a collaborative educational initiative to increase accessibility to learning opportunities.[27] The primary focus of this initiative is to address the specific needs of displaced workers who do not possess a bachelor's degree. A key component of the program is the introduction of a web development curriculum incorporating an apprenticeship model. This unique approach aims to cater to individuals who possess technical skills and demonstrate considerable potential but need stable employment prospects due to various circumstances. The collaboration between RIT and Mindex intends to offer a diverse range of programs that provide inclusive pathways for individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills. The ultimate aim is to empower students by enabling them to evaluate their existing knowledge and experience, thereby offering tailored programs that can serve as a stepping stone towards their desired career paths.[28]

Criticisms

Slow response to Pandemic-inspired needs

The global pandemic in 2020 brought about a significant shift in the education landscape, with a substantial increase in online learning. This sudden transition revealed a limitation in SchoolTool, as it lacked the necessary capability to track online attendance. In response to this pressing need, Mindex undertook the task of transforming the platform to accommodate the demands of online education, ensuring that schools and educators could effectively monitor and manage attendance in the virtual learning environment.

SCHOOLTOOL Trademark Information

Within the scope of IC 042, SchoolTool provides online non-downloadable software through its website. It operates on a software-as-a-service (SAAS) model and offers cloud computing services. These services enable schools and school districts to access, compile, view, and manage student information, data, schedules, grading, assignments, discipline, and billing. Additionally, the online software allows the compilation, viewing, management, reporting, and analysis of student, faculty, school, and district information, demographics, schedules, grading, assignments, discipline, attendance, course scores, assessments, and benchmarks. The first use and commerce of these online software and cloud computing services also date back to June 30, 2000.

Other Student Information Systems

SchoolTool is just one example of a student management system used by educational institutions. In addition to SchoolTool, there are several other SIS platforms available outside of New York State that offer student management capabilities to schools, districts, or higher education institutions for other states.

References
  1. RBJ, Special to the (April 10, 2023). "Local developers move full steam ahead on downtown revitalization | Rochester Business Journal". Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  2. "Mindex Technologies Inc – Company Profile and News". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  3. "Mindex's schooltool software turns 15". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  4. "Schooltool-Mindex Technologies". www.nyscoss.org. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  5. Feltner, Kerry (December 5, 2016). "Mindex marks partnerships with E.R. district | Rochester Business Journal". Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  6. Thomas, Kathryn Quinn (June 21, 2002). "New software developed by Mindex Technologies | Rochester Business Journal". Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  7. Silberstein, Rachel; Crowley, Cathleen F. (October 28, 2021). "New York cites pandemic year in not releasing school testing data". Times Union. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  8. https://ny.chalkbeat.org/authors/reema-amin, Alex; Zimmerman (March 20, 2020). "It's official: New York State calls off exams due to coronavirus closures". Chalkbeat New York. Retrieved June 8, 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |last1= (help)
  9. "SchoolTool Mobile – Apps on Google Play". play.google.com. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  10. "SchoolTool Mobile". App Store. December 27, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  11. Flanigan, Robin L. "Mindex's schooltool software turns 15". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  12. "AWS Partner Solutions Finder". partners.amazonaws.com. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  13. "Say Hello to 78 New AWS Competency, Service Delivery, Service Ready, and MSP Partners Added in April | AWS Partner Network (APN) Blog". aws.amazon.com. May 12, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  14. RBJ, Special to the (April 11, 2022). "Rochester accelerates its pace to become top tech hub in America | Rochester Business Journal". Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  15. Staff, Rochester Business Journal (April 29, 2022). "Marc C Fiore | Rochester Business Journal". Rochester Business Journal. Retrieved June 8, 2023. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  16. "Marc C. Fiore – President at Mindex". THE ORG. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  17. "Michael Terzis – VP, SchoolTool at Mindex". THE ORG. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  18. Moule, Jeremy. "Local projects get state funds". CITY Magazine. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  19. WHAM (July 17, 2018). "New construction on former Genesee Hospital site on Alexander St". WUHF. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  20. "Construction Begins for Mindex Technologies Headquarters at Alex Park – Buckingham Properties | Real Estate Development & Property Management". www.buckprop.com. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  21. "Demolition of old Genesee Hospital resumes". RochesterFirst. December 15, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  22. "Project Spotlight – 250 Alexander Street & Mindex Technologies, Inc". Edge Architecture. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  23. "Mindex Technologies, Inc". Flower City Glass. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  24. "Construction begins on new building at former Genesee Hospital site". RochesterFirst. July 17, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  25. "Schooltool | IMS Global". site.imsglobal.org. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  26. "SchoolTool APIService | IMS Global". site.imsglobal.org. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  27. "RIT Certified addresses the skills gap". RochesterFirst. June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  28. "RIT Certified Addresses the Skills Gap". RIT Certified. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
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