[Mail_supt] IEP Writers and Ongoing Sales Activity

[Thor Sage]

Good morning!
We are continuing to receive notice from schools that representatives from SameGoal (IEP Anywhere) are continuing to place some very aggressive sales calls in which they commonly make unsubstantiated claims about the competitive products currently being introduced by Frontline.  MVECA does not condone this sort of sales activity and would dispute many, if not most, of the claims being made by SameGoal about Frontline's new Special Programs Management (SPM) product.  While MVECA supports both SameGoal and Frontline products, we would encourage districts making snap decisions on IEP writers to slow down and fully assess the long-term benefits of each solution.  Although we have contemplated severing all ties with SameGoal because of their sales tactics, we have determined that doing so would be detrimental to school districts using their products.  Because MVECA's only interest is in serving our members, we will continue with both products while also making sure that we issue adequate warnings to schools, such as the one above, when necessary.  MVECA will also be discussing these inappropriate sales tactics with SameGoal directly.
Here is some important information about the Frontline SPM product that you should know before choosing another solution or listening to the sales pitch from SameGoal:

1.       Frontline has agreed to extend the life of SpS Classic and Refresh through October of 2022 so that districts have a full, additional year to select a solution and migrate to it.  This does not mean that there is anything wrong with SPM.  It only means that Frontline wants to work with your district to make an orderly transition to SPM either this summer or next without complications or unnecessary pressure.

2.       Frontline SPM will be fully integrated into the ProgressBook Suite making single-sign-on and quick access from the gradebook application possible.

3.       Frontline SPM will also feature the following:

     *   Built-in workflows, proven to improve program compliance and drive efficiencies in managing special programs.
     *   Automated EMIS data collection. Users will no longer need to manually enter EMIS data. The data is captured automatically via information entered within students' IEPs and all data is displayed right on the user-interface at the student and district level.
     *   More accurate and easier EMIS reporting through enhanced data validations at the point of user input, and a strong integration with ProgressBook.

Alternatively, we like the SameGoal software solution as well and appreciate many improvements that have been recently introduced in their software.  If you have any questions whatsoever about either of the two IEP products supported by MVECA, please let us know.  MVECA will provide you with the best, most current, and unbiased information about each solution available to schools today.  We apologize for any uncomfortable sales calls you may be receiving and would encourage you to simply not accept such calls.  Instead, let MVECA share the benefits and downside of each application with you and your staff so you can make the best decision possible for your district.

Thank you,
Thor


Thor Sage
Executive Director
Miami Valley Educational Computer Association
937-767-1468  x3101
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Not-for-profit Technology Services for Education and Local Governments


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