Software

Free Software

FET - http://lalescu.ro/liviu/fet/ is an open source free timetabling software. I've tried it out but have had trouble with the more complicated timetable structures. This software may suit simple timetable structures. The data entry is a bit complicated and would be greatly improved if a spreadsheet-type data entry was used.

The KTS High School System - http://jeffreykingston.id.au/khe/ designed by Dr Jeff Kingston. As in the FET system - the data entry is a bit complicated and would be greatly improved if a spreadsheet-type data entry was used.

CASES21 (MAZE) Free to all Victorian Government Schools. This may be suitable if you have an easy timetable or a timetable that has a FULLY blocked or lined structure, it does not handle core classes very well - see Curriculum Continuum. Its elective line construction is reasonably good and performs slightly better than Firstclass but not quite as good as The Timetabler or Edval software.

Software Specifications for a Timetabling System

I have helped a few software companies (The Timetabler and Edval) develop their software and in my view Timetabling software needs to cover these areas:


Student Electives:

Easy entry of student choices in priority order (web based, bar code).
Term/Semesterised elective lines.
Automated construction of semesterised elective lines –recognising staffing, rooming and other constraints.
Tools which enable manual analysis and construction of elective lines.
Multiple users, management of student enrollments and elective changes.
Management of class allocations, using ability, gender or other ways of organising students.
Screening and vetting tools, e.g., students need to pick at least one English, etc.
Checking -Have students got the appropriate prerequisites?
Auto-allocation of students to classes by rules e.g. students can only be assigned one art elective over the two semesters; same kids must be in Wood and Metal classes, etc.
Balance class sizes

Timetable construction:

Ability to handle wide variety of structures – see Curriculum Continuum
The data entry is simplified – use excel style data entry
Manual construction tools.
Ability to build allotments.
Auto construction tools.
Auto rooming.
Quality control tools – spread of classes over week or 10 days, etc.
Ability to analyse and see problems.

Daily Organisation – substitute teachers:

Ability to handle under allotments, in lieu’s and replacements.
Ability to cover yard duties.
Yard duty construction:
Auto and manual allocating yard duties according to rules. E.g., no yard duty after or before a class, only one duty on a day.

Network\Web capabilities:

Easy staff and student access to printed timetables, class lists, daily organisation changes and student photos.
Formats range from Excel to HTML.
Multi-user data entry.
Security.

Exports to external programs:

In Victoria to VASS – need to merge in external student information with timetable student information.
Administration systems.
Assessment systems.
Period attendance systems.

Exams:

Ability to construct Exam lines and timetables and mesh in with timetable.