eReturns

eReturns

In March 2006 we trialled a new system for schools to automatically send in their .moe roll return file. Eighty three schools managed to send their .moe file successfully and most found it extremely easy.

The trial successfully tested both the transport method and the security model. Work has been continuing to make this available to more schools.

In July 2006, 160 schools successfully sent in their roll return by eReturn; in March 2007 the number reached 320, by July 07 it was 661 and in March 2008 reached almost 1200. For now, schools still need to do a paper return as well but these pilots were an important first step to automating roll returns giving us valuable information about the data that can be transferred and the process of transferring that data. Schools that were unable to use the eReturn method were able to send their .moe file to the Ministry via the Leadspace portal. This requires them to leave their SMS application, login to Leadspace, search for and identify the appropriate file, and then upload it.

At mid-2008 the eReturns function for easy submission of the student data file was available in nearly all data sharing approved SMSs. Schools will still be required to submit their student data file after signing and posting their March and July Roll Return form.

This is helping to develop processes that mean we can create the summary statistics required at the Ministry rather than asking every school in the country to create and extensively check their own summary tables. Having the disaggregate data available will also allow a more thorough and meaningful analysis of the data and thus better informed policy decisions.

Roll return testing

Every year all SMS packages are tested to ensure they are fully compliant with the following year's requirements for producing roll returns. The SMS packages are also now tested to see if they comply with the eReturns specification. Any SMS that passes this test can be used by schools to produce the March and July Roll Return.

The results of the testing are published in the Education Gazette. More information about roll returns is available on the Education Counts website.