ARCHIVED EDSCLS Platform/VM 4.1

The EDSCLS VM 4.1 was released in December 2018 and replaced by the EDSCLS VM 4.1.1 on January 25, 2019. However, VM 4.1 is no longer available. To access the latest VM and related materials, click here. If you need assistance, please contact the EDSCLS helpdesk, 866-730-6735 or EDSCLS@air.org.

If you have already downloaded an older version of the EDSCLS VM and wish to download a new EDSCLS VM, make sure to save or export your data to PREVENT DATA LOSS. You can create a back-up copy by cloning your VM to be safe. (See the EDSCLS User Guide, Section 2.1.4 Virtual Machine Back-Up for instructions.)

See the Recommended Steps for updating the latest EDSCLS VM below for more information. Also, for questions, consult the EDSCLS Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact the EDSCLS Help Desk at EDSCLS@air.org or (866) 730-6735.

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Changes Made to EDSCLS Platform/VM 4.1

Installation

Updated Python 2.7.12, Python 3.5.2, MySQL 5.7.24 (replacing 5.7.23), OpenSSH 1:7.2u2.6 (replacing 1:7.2u2.5), and Linux Kernel 4.4.0.139 (replacing 4.4.0.137).

What users need to do: For users who are currently using an earlier version of the EDSCLS platform/VM, IT administrators can (1) install the EDSCLS VM 4.1, which includes these updates, or (2) manually apply patches from the terminal command line (see EDSCLS User Guide Sections 2.1.1 Installation and Configuration and 2.1.5 Security Patches and Upgrades for instructions). Users can also power the older platform/VM off after a data collection has ended to prevent cyber-attacks (see EDSCLS User Guide Section 2.1.1 Installation and Configuration) and download the most recent VM before the next data collection.

Results and Reporting

No changes were made to the results and reporting functions in this update.

Administration

No changes were made to the administration functions in this update.

If you have already downloaded a previous version of the EDSCLS VM and wish to transition to the latest EDSCLS VM, review the options below to prevent a loss of data.

Option 1: Keep the older EDSCLS VM on your server to house data from previous survey administrations. Then simply download the new EDSCLS VM and follow the installation instructions. Thus, you will have multiple VMs on your server storing your older and newer data.

Please see User Guide Section 2.1 System Setup in Virtual Environment for updated VM installation technical requirements. Note: Your server will require sufficient RAM and free hard disk space if you run multiple VMs on the same server. You also need to power off your old VM to prevent security breaches.

Option 2: If you do not wish to keep multiple versions of the EDSCLS VM on your server, and want to delete the older EDSCLS VM, you must first export all data reports you would like to save and export the raw data from the older EDSCLS VM for future use. If you do not, you will lose all the data stored in the older VM when it is deleted. It’s always a good idea to clone your current VM so that you have a back-up copy (see User Guide Section 2.1.4 Virtual Machine Back-Up for cloning instructions).

If you are currently collecting data using the EDSCLS VM, we recommend you NOT transition to the new EDSCLS VM until your data collection is complete.

Instructions on How to Download and Start Using the EDSCLS VM 4.1

To help you navigate the administration of the EDSCLS, we have created a variety of tools. Below you will find links to download the latest EDSCLS VM, the EDSCLS User Guide which has been updated to reflect lessons learned, the updated EDSCLS Survey Item Lists, the updated EDSCLS Codebooks, and the Nonresponse Bias Worksheet.

We recommend that you download and read the EDSCLS User Guide before downloading the EDSCLS VM. Section 2.1 System Setup in Virtual Environment in the User Guide, which was just carefully updated, is intended for the education agency’s IT staff who will be in charge of downloading, installing, and configuring the EDSCLS web-based platform. Section 2.2 EDSCLS Administration is intended for Survey Administrators, who oversee the survey data collection through the EDSCLS dashboard.

Lessons Learned to Keep in Mind
As You Get Started:

Install the EDSCLS VM to a physical server, not another virtual machine, such as VMWare. See Section 2.1 System Setup in Virtual Environment (for IT Staff) in the User Guide.

Use one of the three methods to keep your EDSCLS VM secure from cyber-attacks. See the Technical Platform Capabilities section of the EDSCLS Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact the EDSCLS helpdesk at EDSCLS@air.org or 866-730-6735, between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, if you need assistance.

Downloadable Materials

EDSCLS Administration and Installation User Guide

EDSCLS Survey Item Lists

EDSCLS Code Books

Nonresponse Bias Worksheet

EDSCLS VM Installation Materials

EDSCLS Logo

EDSCLS Web-Based Survey Administration Platform VM 4.1
(VM 4.1 is no longer available.
Please download the latest version of the VM.
If you need assistance, please contact the EDSCLS
helpdesk, 866-730-6735 or EDSCLS@air.org.)

Additional Resources

School Climate Improvement Resource Package. This resource package is designed to help schools and districts improve school climate. It includes a variety of resources to meet a range of needs among stakeholders interested in improving school climate. While it is intended for a universal audience, the resource focuses on providing more guided instruction to EDSCLS users.

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