Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the New Generation System?

The New Generation System (NGS) is an innovative data transfer system for migrant student demographic, academic, and health information, which will replace, simplify, and improve recording and evaluating a migrant student's educational progress. NGS gives you the ability to view and enter demographic, enrollment, assessment, academic, and health information on students. NGS also allows you to view and enter information on facilities, contacts, and state secondary processing.

Reporting capabilities include the Student Transfer Document for various grade levels, management reports, and student count reports. Complete documentation is available on all NGS functionality through the on-line Help system.

How do I access the NGS system?

This can be done in several ways if your state Migrant Education department, regional educational service center, or campus is a member of the NGS consortium.

If your individual site has Internet access:

Complete the "Oath of Student Record Security and Confidentiality" and send it to your immediate supervisor for clearance at the district, region, and/or state level. After the oath has been cleared by the proper channels, send the oath to the following address:

Division of NCLB Program Coordination
Migrant Education Program
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701

The NGS staff will assign you a User ID and password. Once you receive a confirmation of this information, you will be able to access NGS.

If your site does not have Internet access:

Talk to the campus technology staff or the ESC technology staff, and tell them that you need Internet access.
If you are a member of the technology staff, check with local universities to see if they will allow your site Internet access via a SLIP/PPP line.
If access is not available through a local university, check the yellow pages and local computer stores for Internet providers.

Once you find a provider, ask for a non-dedicated 28.8 Kb or faster SLIP/PPP account. Let them know you will need browser software - Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

If your district is not going to obtain Internet access:

Contact your regional service center and/or state Migrant Education Program and indicate to them that your site is not going to have access to NGS.

Do I have to use a modem?

A modem is not required to use NGS if you have access to the Internet through a local network. It is a good idea to have a modem available for those times when the local network is down. We recommend a 28.8 Kb or faster modem.

Who do I contact if I have problems with my computer?

Computer problems should be reported to the vendor from which you purchased the equipment.

Where do I get help if I'm having problems connecting to the Internet?

In this situation, call your Internet provider.

How do I delete duplicate records in NGS?

For security purposes, deletion of duplicate records is handled by NGS technical support staff. If you have created duplicate records, submit a list of the records, their NGS-assigned IDs, and any associated record IDs. For example, if you create a duplicate facility record and add enrollment histories using the SSID of the duplicate facility record, the NGS staff will need the SSID and any USID, History ID, State ID, etc., with which the incorrect SSID may be associated.

The list of requested deletions must first be approved and certified by your state Migrant Education Program office. Once the list is approved, contact the NGS technical support staff at 1-800-365-1873.

In Texas, can I use the Texas Education Network (TENET) to access NGS?

No; TENET does not support the graphics used in NGS.

What kind of computer do I need?

NGS is designed to work across many platforms. As technology continues to advance, NGS development will take advantage of the newest software and hardware available that is best suited to meet the requirements of the long-term NGS vision. Following are descriptions of the hardware requirements for optimum performance in NGS.

If you are purchasing an IBM compatible computer, refer to this list:

Pentium 1.8 GZH or faster
128 Megabytes of RAM
3.5 floppy drive
hard drive (40 Megabytes minimum)
56 Kb modem.
CD Rom Drive

If you are purchasing a Macintosh computer, refer to this list:

PowerPC running at 700 MHz or better
128 Megabytes of RAM
3.5 floppy drive
hard drive (500 Megabytes minimum)
56 Kb modem.
CD Rom Drive

If you are using equipment you have now, the minimum recommended IBM compatible system is:

IBM compatible
Pentium 300 MHz or faster
64 Megabytes of RAM
3.5 floppy drive
hard drive (4 Gigabyte minimum)
28.8 Kb modem.

If you are using equipment you have now, the minimum recommended Apple/Mac system is:

Mac 400 MHz
64 Megabytes of RAM
3.5 floppy drive
hard drive (4 Gigabyte minimum)
28.8 Kb modem.

For More Information Contact:

Pat Meyertholen, TEA
Division of NCLB Program Coordination
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
Tel: 512-463-9696
FAX: 512-463-9176
EMail: pat.meyertholen@tea.state.tx.us

Last Modified: 3/20/2007