2014 - Present
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Data Collection tool is a responsive web application designed for educators across 54 states and territories to quickly and easily report outcomes for a $1.2 billion federally funded program.
To meet this challenge, the U.S. Department of Education hired the Tactile Group to create the first-of-its-kind cloud-based data collection and reporting system that meets federal security requirements and allows educators to tell success stories about their 21st CCLC programs.
Faced with a wide range of Internet connection speeds, computer capabilities, screen sizes, and user needs from urban to rural areas across the country, Tactile implemented a user-informed and user-focused approach to design: through ongoing user research and feedback, build a web application that removes all unnecessary data points and streamlines the user interface. Tactile employs a hybrid agile methodology to develop, maintain, and continuously improve this tool. 21APR reflects industry-standard practices of responsive web design to ensure optimized use on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
This new application is so easy, I don't know how anyone can mess this up!
USER FROM MINNESOTA
All hardware and software components are configured and hosted on FedRAMP-compliant Amazon Web Services. Tactile worked with OCIO requirements including updating security documentation and system assessments to meet FISMA requirements, obtain an ATO, and secure an ed.gov domain name. We have implemented security controls consistent with NIST 800-53 Revision 4 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12. Additionally, the site adheres to Section 508 of the Disabilities Act.
Tactile also manages a help desk that services over 2,400 users. We employ a cloud based, tiered ticketing process that allows our geographically distributed team to quickly prioritize, route, and respond to requests for support. The system also enables the team to analyze help desk response times, perform root cause analysis of issues, and identify trends that inform future system enhancements.
88% reduction in data points collected (so educators have more time to spend with students)
Increased amount of data certified from 61.11% to 98.15% (to provide a more complete picture of the program outcomes)
99.999% uptime of FedRAMP-compliant cloud-based application
With an 88% reduction in required data points from the previous system, educators can spend more time with students and less time reporting.
To further increase availability and flexibility for users, the cloud-based 21APR delivers 99.999% system uptime while meeting all FedRAMP-compliance requirements.
Certified data from State Education Agencies increased to 98.15% in 21APR from 61.11% in the previous system, providing a more complete picture of the program outcomes and allowing the Federal Government to make data-driven decisions.
As a program analyst for ED, I love when our users respond like this to innovations in government.
DARYN HEDLUND Management and Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Education
