The Focus Student Transfers feature allows districts using Focus to securely and efficiently transfer student data when a student moves from one district to another. Once a student is withdrawn and the transfer is approved, key information such as demographics, grades, test scores, and immunizations can be imported directly into the receiving district's system. This real-time transfer provides a faster, more streamlined alternative to the Florida FASTER system for inter-district transfers. Districts can choose whether to initiate a transfer out or request data for an incoming student. This guide walks through the end-to-end process of sending and receiving student data between districts using Focus.
Currently, Focus Student Transfers is only available for participating Florida districts.
The examples in this guide use Columbia, Suwannee, Leon, and other development sites to demonstrate the student data transfer process. All student names, IDs, birthdates, and related information have been scrambled or staged for documentation purposes only. No real student data is displayed.
See the Focus Transfers Checklist for a quick guide to Focus Transfers.
Profile Permissions
1. In the Users menu, click Profiles.
2. Select Menu from the Permission Type pull-down.
3. Select the Students tab.
4. Locate Focus Transfers.
Focus Transfers: Select the View check box to allow profile users to view student transfers. Select the View and Edit check boxes to allow profile users to view and approve or deny student transfers.
Import from External District: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile to import student data using Focus Student Transfer from another Florida district into the current student's record.
Current Schedule: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile users to view and import students' active course schedule from the sending district.
Demographics: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile users to view and import students' personal information such as name, birthdate, race/ethnicity, language, and contact details.
ESE Exceptionalities: Select the Edit check box to allow profile users to view and import student exceptionalities and ESE program details, if available from the sending district.
Grades: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile users to view and import historical grades, credits, and GPA data.
Immunizations: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile users to view and import vaccination compliance and health status fields.
Test History: Select the Edit check box to allow the profile users to view and import assessment data such as EOC, FSA, SAT, or ACT results.
5. Click Save to apply permissions.
See Profiles > Students for more details.
A migration script currently exists to automatically updates existing permissions.
- Any user profile that previously had Import from External District permission automatically receives all five Focus Transfers sub-permissions.
- Administrators can later modify these sub-permissions individually via Users > Profiles > Students tab > Focus Transfers.
Student Fields
1. In the Users menu, click Profiles.
2. Select Student Fields from the Permission Type pull-down.
3. In the Enrollment section, locate Transfer To.
4. Select the View and Edit check boxes to allow profile users to authorize student data to be sent from their district to an external district using the Focus Student Transfer feature. This includes securely sharing grades, test scores, demographics, and other key information when a student transfers out. Once enabled, the Transfer To pull-down displays on students' enrollment records for use.
5. Click Save.
See Profiles > Viewing and Editing Student Field Permissions and/or Student Fields for more information.
System Preferences
1. In the Setup menu, click System Preferences.
2. Click the School Preferences or Default School Preferences tab, then select the Enrollment tab.
3. Select the Drop schedule records when approving transfer requests check box to automatically insert a Dropped date on the student's schedule records when a data transfer request is imported via Students > Focus Transfers. The drop date will default to the day before the student's enrollment at the new district.
4. Click Save.
See System Preferences > Enrollment for more information on all the different settings.
To authorize the transfer of a student's data to another Focus district, go to Student Info > Enrollment and withdraw the student from your district with W3A. Then, select the new district from the Transfer To pull-down. This authorizes the student's information to be imported securely in the receiving district.
1. Search for and locate the student.
2. Navigate to the Enrollment tab in Student Info.
3. Enter the applicable Drop Date and select the Drop Code from the pull-down.
4. Select the receiving district from the Transfer To pull-down.
5. Click Save.
Once a student has been withdrawn from their previous Focus district and your district is selected as the transfer destination (Transfer To pull-down), you can begin the process of importing the student's data. This section walks through how to locate the incoming student and import available information such as demographics, grades, test history, and more.
1. In the Students menu, click Add a Student.
2. Search for and create or enroll the student.
The student will need to be manually entered unless they have a previous record at your district.
3. Enter the student's address, phone, number, contact information, etc.
4. Select the student's Grade Level, enter the Enrollment Date, and select the Enrollment Code.
5. Be sure the Prior District is set to the district from which the student is being received.
6. Click Continue and complete the enrollment process.
For more information about the enrollment process, see Add a Student.
7. Upon saving the student's enrollment data, a pop-up window displays that enrollment has been completed. Click Import from [## - District Name] to import student data from another district's site.
Review the data you're requesting to import, which may include Demographics, Grades, Test History, ESE Exceptionalities, and Immunizations. The sections displayed will vary based on the student and the sending district. For example, one student may have an ESE Exceptionalities section, while another may not, in which case the section will not appear.
Discipline data displays but cannot be imported.
The Grades section displays both warnings and erros in data. Warnings are displayed in yellow and will still be imported. Errors are displayed in red and will not be imported.
Hover over the warning or error record for more details.
The Test History section also displays any issues in red where data will not be imported.
8. Use the check boxes to deselect any information you do not want imported. You can deselect singular demographic information as well as entire sections of data, such as Grades or Immunizations.
9. Click Import.
If you believe the data has been updated since clicking import, you can click Refresh to pull in any new data.
If the student already exists in the system, and you import data, existing records will remain while importing new data. No duplicates will be imported.
10. To review imported data regardless of whether or not you've imported data, from the Primary Info tab, click the Import data icon.
11. From the Import data pop-up window, you can review data again and select the sections you'd like to Import; this is useful if there's a section you didn't previously import. For example, the student's Middle Name and Immunizations where not imported originally.
When a student is transferring into your district from another Focus district, you can request their data--even if the sending district hasn't selected your district in the Transfer To field. This feature allows your district to preview and import key student information, helping to streamline enrollment and ensure accurate records from the start.
If the sending district does not have Focus Student Transfers enabled, you'll receive an error message.
1. In the Students menu, click Add a Student.
2. Search for and create or enroll the student.
The student will need to be manually entered unless they have a previous record at your district.
3. Enter the student's address, phone, number, contact information, etc.
4. Select the student's Grade Level, enter the Enrollment Date, and select the Enrollment Code.
5. Be sure the Prior District is set to the district from which the student is being received.
6. Click Continue and complete the enrollment process.
For more information about the enrollment process, see Add a Student.
7a. Upon saving the student's enrollment data, a pop-up window displays that enrollment has been completed. Click Import from [## - District Name] to request data from another district's site.
7b. Click Go To Student to request data from Student Info.
a. If you are on the student's record, to request records, click the Primary Info tab, and click the Import data icon.
8. In the Import data pop-up window, click Submit Focus Transfer Request.
If a request is made of a district that doesn't have Focus Transfers and other required settings/permissions enabled, an error meesage displays, as shown below.
9. To check the status of your request, in the Students menu, click Focus Transfers.
a. Click the Outgoing Requests tab.
From this tab, you can check the Status of your request(s) and review Student ID, Student name, District name. Requester, Enrollment Date, and the Request Date.
b. Click the Student ID or Student name to open Student Info.
c. Be sure the Start Date and End Date reflects the desired timeframe. If altered, click Search to update the report.
10. Once your request has been approved, from Student Info, click the Primary Info tab, then click the Import data icon.
Review the data you're requesting to import, which may include Demographics, Grades, Test History, ESE Exceptionalities, and Immunizations. The sections displayed will vary based on the student and the sending district. For example, one student may have an ESE Exceptionalities section, while another may not, in which case the section will not appear.
Discipline data displays but cannot be imported.
The Grades section displays both warnings and erros in data. Warnings are displayed in yellow and will still be imported. Errors are displayed in red and will not be imported.
Hover over the warning or error record for more details.
The Test History section also displays any issues in red where data will not be imported.
11. Use the check boxes to deselect any information you do not want imported. You can deselect singular demographic information as well as entire sections of data, such as Grades or Immunizations.
12. Click Import.
If you believe the data has been updated since clicking import, you can click Refresh to pull in any new data.
If the student already exists in the system, and you import data, existing records will remain while importing new data. No duplicates will be imported.
13. To review imported data regardless of whether or not you've imported data, from the Primary Info tab, click the Import data icon again.
14. From the Import data pop-up window, you can review data again and select the sections you'd like to Import; this is useful if there's a section you didn't previously import. For example, the student's Middle Name and Immunizations where not imported originally.
When another Focus district submits a request for one of your students, your district will receive an incoming transfer request. These requests must be reviewed and approved before any data can be shared. This section walks through how to access, review, and respond to incoming requests.
1. Option 1: Click the # student transfer request(s) Portal Alert.
1. Option 2: In the Students menu, click Focus Transfers.
2. Click the Incoming Requests tab.
3. Edit the Start Date and End Date to tailor the report of incoming requests to another timeframe, then click Search to apply the dates.
From this tab, you can review all incoming data transfer requests including the Status, Student ID, Student name, school District, School name, Requester name, Enrollment Date, and the Request Date.
4. Click the Student ID number or Student name to review Student Info.
5. Option 1: Click Approve to allow the requesting district to import the student's data from your district's site.
Clicking Approve will withdraw the student the day before the student enrolled at their new district (Drop Date), select the W3A Drop Code, and automatically populate the Transfer To pull-down.
You can click Approve to allow for the transfer of data or you can follow the steps described in Transferring Student Data from Your District to an External District where you withdraw the student and select the applicable district from the Transfer To pull-down on the student's enrollment record, which would allow them to import student data, just the same.
5. Option 2: Click Deny if you do not want to allow the other district to import the student's data.
1. In the Students menu, click Focus Transfers.
2. Click the Incoming Requests tab to review all requests from other district to your district.
From this tab, you can review all incoming data transfer requests including the Status, Student ID, Student name, school District, School name, Requester name, Enrollment Date, and the Request Date.
a. Edit the Start Date and End Date to tailor the report of incoming requests to another timeframe, then click Search to apply the dates.
b. Click the Student ID number or Student name to review Student Info.
c. Click Approve to allow the requesting district to import the student's data from your district's site.
Clicking Approve will withdraw the student the day before the student enrolled at their new district (Drop Date), select the W3A Drop Code, and automatically populate the Transfer To pull-down.
You can click Approve to allow for the transfer of data or you can follow the steps described in Transferring Student Data from Your District to an External District where you withdraw the student and select the applicable district from the Transfer To pull-down on the student's enrollment record, which would allow them to import student data, just the same.
d. Click Deny if you do not want to allow the other district to import the student's data.
3. Click the Outgoing Requests tab to review the status of your requests to other districts.
From this tab, you can check the Status of your request(s) and review Student ID, Student name, District name. Requester, Enrollment Date, and the Request Date.
a. Edit the Start Date and End Date to tailor the report of incoming requests to another timeframe, then click Search to apply the dates.
b. Click the Student ID or Student name to open Student Info.
c. Click Cancel if you want to cancel your request.
Focus automatically inserts a FASTER request record into the faster_requests table when a student's outgoing transfer is approved by the sending district. This ensures that the transcript exchange is initiated automatically and in compliance with Florida DOE requirements.
- Student Transfer Initiated:
- District B (receiving district) imports a student from District A using the Focus Transfer tool.
- District B submits a data transfer request to District A.
- Outgoing Transfer Approved:
- When District A approves the outgoing transfer request, Focus automatically triggers the following actions:
- A new record is added to the faster_requests table at District A.
- The record includes all required metadata for transcript generation:
- student_id local ID of the transferred student
- request_type set to indicate an outgoing transfer
- requested_district_number receiving district
- status initially set to Pending
- created_user_id and created_datetime
- The existing Outgoing MSIX FASTER Responses scheduled job (already configured in Focus) detects the new faster_requests record.
- The job processes the request according to the sending districts FASTER configuration.
- After processing, the students official transcript is transmitted electronically to the receiving district through the FASTER system.
This automation removes the need for staff at the sending district to manually initiate a FASTER transmission after approving a transfer. It guarantees that outgoing transfers are consistently accompanied by a valid transcript record, streamlining data compliance and reducing missed or delayed FASTER submissions.
For more details, see FASTER and Scheduled Jobs.
Q: What information is required to request or initiate a student data transfer?
A: To request or initiate a transfer, the only required information is the student's first name, last name, complete birthdate, and Prior District code. This data is entered when adding the new student to your district.
Q: How does Focus handle grade imports when marking periods differ between districts?
A: Focus translates 9-week and semester grades during the import process. If your district uses trimesters, it's recommended to manually enter grades to ensure accuracy, as they may not align properly.
Q: What happens if a course from the previous district doesn't exist in our Course Catalog during a student data transfer?
A: If a Course Number from the previous district isn't found in your Course Catalog, it will be flagged during the import process. Entries with errors display in red and will not be imported. Entries with warnings appear in yellow and will be imported, but may require review. This applies to other data types as well, such as Test History.
For example, invalid courses generate a warning but are still imported. In Test History, the entire row is highlighted since each row represents a single record. In contrast, Grades highlight individual marking period columns, since each column is a separate record. You can view both warnings and errors of the Grades section during the import process.
Q: How are grades from block or trimester schedules handled during a data transfer?
A: In block schedules like 4x4, grades are imported as quarter grades in course history. Trimester systems may not display grades accurately in the receiving district and could require manual adjustment.
Q: How does Focus Student Transfers interact with FASTER?
A: Focus Student Transfers works alongside FASTER for inter-district transfers. When a sending district approves an outgoing transfer, Focus automatically creates a record in faster_requests, which the Outgoing MSIX FASTER Responses job processes to generate and send the students official transcript. This ensures compliance and removes the need for manual FASTER submissions.
Q: Are there any time limits for transferring student data using Focus Student Transfers?
A: Yes. For security reasons, you cannot initiate a transfer for students who left a district more than 60 days ago. If the initial transfer was completed within 30-60 days, you may be able to use the Refresh option to update records such as Course History.
Q: How long will the Import Data icon be available to import data from the previous district?
A: The Import Data icon will remain visible on the Students > Student Info > Primary Info tab for the entire school year. However, the Refresh button within the import pop-up is only available for a limited time--typically within the first couple of months after the student is withdrawn and initially imported. Use the Refresh option to pull in any updated information from the previous district, if available.
Q: Can a student be imported more than once?
A: Yes. After the initial import, you can return to the Import Data pop-up window using the Import data icon via Student Info > Primary Info tab and import additional data sections that were not previously selected. Previously imported data will not be duplicated.
Q: What happens if a student is re-enrolled after a transfer?
A: If a student returns to their original district after being transferred, they can be re-enrolled like any other student. Their prior data remains intact in the system, and new data can be imported from the district they temporarily attended if needed.
Q: Can I cancel a student data request after it's been submitted?
A: Yes. Navigate to Focus Transfers > Outgoing Requests, locate the request, and click Cancel. This prevents the other district from processing the request.
Q: Will I be notified when another district requests data for one of my students?
A: Yes. A Portal alert will display the number of pending student transfer requests. You can also review incoming requests at any time via Students > Focus Transfers > Incoming Requests.
Q: FASTER only transfers the 7-digit course number. Does the Focus Transfers import process handle all 8 digits?
A: Yes. The import process uses the full 8-digit course number but maps the first 7 digits to the receiving district's course catalog to retrieve the appropriate grading scale and related settings. This approach provides more accurate results than the legacy FASTER system.
Q: Which demographic fields are available to import during a Focus Student Transfer?
A: Only fields with data from the sending district that differ from your district will appear on the Import screen. You can select which fields to import for the student.
Q: What happens if a student's demographic fields were already populated in my district?
A: When you click the Import button, both your districts existing data (displayed in grey) and the sending districts data will be visible. You can then choose which values to import and overwrite.
For example, if a student's Home Language Survey Date was entered through the Online Application, you will see both the existing date and the date from the sending district. If the check box is selected for said field, the imported date will overwrite your current data.
Q: Can imported data be updated if it changes in the sending district?
A: Yes. Use the Refresh button in the Import pop-up to pull any new or updated data. You can decide whether to import it, which will overwrite the current value in your system.
Q: Are all demographic fields included in the import process?
A: Most key demographic fields are included. Fields that have identical values in both districts will not display on the Import screen. For a complete list of fields, see Demographic Fields That are Part of the Import Process.
Q: Can we see test scores that won't post?
A: Yes. All test scores are visible before importing. Hover over any scores highlighted in red to see details about why they will not import.
Q: Is there a way for schools to see requests from other districts?
A: Yes. A Portal Alert appears when another district requests student data prior to the student being withdrawn. This ensures schools are aware of transfer requests in real time.
Q: What happens if a student was added through the Online Application?
A: If demographic fields were already populated through the Online Application or Add a Student process, clicking the Import button will show both your existing data (grey) and the sending districts data. You can choose which values to import.
504_eligible
birthdate
birth_city
birth_location
algebra_i_eoc_date
algebra_ii_eoc_date
biology_i_eoc_date
civics_eoc_date
ese_code
first_name
fcat_math_pass
florida_id
gender
geometry_eoc_date
last_name
middle_name
preferred_first_name
primary_language
reading_pass_date
residence_status
state_id
tide_access_code
ushistory_eoc_date
Refer Date
Diploma Type
Hearing Screening Status
Diploma Date
Certificate of Completion
Certificate of Completion Date
District Community/Volunteer Service Requirement Met
National Merit Scholar
National Achievement Scholar
Vision Status
Number of Community Service Hours
National Hispanic ScholarA
AICE Program Participant
IB Diploma
College Ready Diploma
Differentiated Diploma
Language Most Frequently Spoken by Child
English Language Learner
Home Language Survey Date
Immunization Status
Pre-Kindergarten Partic
ELL Entry Date
Student Plan Date
Classification Date
ELL Exit Date
Re-evaluation Date
Extension of Instruction
Reclassification Date
Reclassification Exit Date
Basis of Entry
First Basis of Exit
Migrant Residency Date
Additional School Year
Country of Birth
Graduation Plan
Migrant Status Term
Homeless Unaccompanied Youth
Florida Alias
IEP/EP Plan Date
Migrant: MSIX Identification Number
State Where Migrant was Born
PE Waiver
Early Admission to College Flag
Multi Birth for Faster
Even Start Family Literacy Program Participant
Florida First Start Program Participant
Year Entered Ninth Grade
Race: American Indian or Alaska Native
Race: Asian
Race: Black or African American
Race: Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Race: White
Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latin
Single Ethnicity
Florida Education Identifier
Diploma Designation
MEP Enrollment Date
Algebra I Assessment Passed
Geometry Assessment Passed
Biology Assessment Passed
U.S. History Assessment Passed
Vaccine Certification Expiration Date
Birth Date Verification
Algebra II EOC Pass Date
Diploma Biliteracy Seal Designation
English/Language Arts Assessment Met
Civic Literacy Competency Indicator (FASTER)
AICE Diploma
Migrant Residency Verification Date
General Education Met (Postsecondary FASTER)
Reverse Transfer Award Code (Postsecondary FASTER)
Transfer Option (Postsecondary FASTER)
Paid Work Hours (FASTER)
General Education Digital Badge (Postsecondary FASTER)
General Education Code Met (Postsecondary FASTER)
Civic Literacy Course Completion (Postsecondary FASTER)
Civic Literacy Assessment Requirement (Postsecondary FASTER)
Critical/Chronic Health Information - 911 Medical Alert [Indicator] (FASTER)
Critical/Chronic Health Information - 911 Medical Alert [Information] (FASTER)
English Language Learners: Post Reclassification Date [First Report Card] (FASTER)
English Language Learners: Post Reclassification Date [First Semiannual Review] (FASTER)
English Language Learners: Post Reclassification Date [Second Semi-annual Review] (FASTER)
English Language Learners: Post Reclassification Date [End of the Second Year] (FASTER)
Career and Professional Academy Participant
Diploma Florida Seal of Fine Arts Designation
Graduation Requirement Basis
Online Course Exempt