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SOMS meets SIS: Streamlining workflow

August 9, 2024

Teachers at Central California Women's Facility were the first to use the new SIS. They are Gail Fry (seated), Deborah Lavagnino and Lisa Fore.

The newest update to education documentation workflow, the Student Information System (SIS) is now communicating with SOMS (Strategic Offender Management System).

What once took up to 18 days can now be accomplished in mere minutes, resulting in accurate record-keeping, data, and points of accountability.

The moment arrived July 25 when SOMS and SIS began talking to each other for the first time.

Teachers at Central California Women’s Facility were the first in the state to set up college classes and assign students for the fall 2024 term. While working in SIS, the information is shared with SOMS in real time. Of course, SOMS will remain the main source for all critical information.

“The launch of the Student Information System means our amazing teachers will be able to spend less time at a computer and more time working with their students,” said Superintendent Shannon Swain. “It is a red-letter day for the Office of Correctional Education (OCE).”

As the project moves forward, transitions and e-learning teachers will enjoy the new system later this calendar year. This will be followed by the other education programs. The partnership among Enterprise Information Services teams, development partner Tanzu Labs, and OCE resulted in a transformative improvement to education-related paperwork.

Teachers react to SIS, SOMS

“SIS has me very excited for the future,” said Deborah Lavagnino, a CCWF teacher. “It’s going to enable me to step away from the computer and spend more time with my students.”

Gail Fry, another CCWF educator, said it was interesting to be part of the process.

“Being involved in the inception of the SIS development has been a thrilling experience,” Fry said.

Meanwhile, teacher Lisa Fore said SIS is going to be very useful.

“The Student Information System (SIS) is a college coordinator’s dream come true,” she said.

Submitted by Patrick O’Neill, supervisor of academic instruction
Office of Correctional Education

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