Portal Rostering Methods

A Guide to Rostering Methods

Last updated 2 days ago

Our platform integrates with various systems including Clever, ClassLink/OneRoster, Google/SAML, Azure/SAML, ADFS/SAML, Canvas, and Canvas derivatives such as Blackboard Open LMS (Moodle), alongside the legacy Blackboard LMS. If standard integration options don't meet your specific requirements, Bulk Upload is available as an alternative solution. Our implementation specialists are also available to explore customized options tailored to your needs.

1. Clever

Method: Account information is rostered using Clever Secure Sync, with SSO enabled via Clever.

Advantages:

  • Eliminates manual rostering requirements

  • Simple launch process

  • Streamlined user experience

  • Daily automated syncing capabilities

  • Robust data standardization that reduces errors

  • Widely adopted in K-12 education with strong support ecosystem

Considerations:

  • Requires existing Clever subscription

  • Some institutions may have eligibility limitations based on size

  • Active student licenses are required for implementation

  • May require initial data cleanup to match Clever's data schema requirements

2. ClassLink

Method: Account information is rostered using ClassLink SFTP export.

Advantages:

  • Eliminates manual rostering requirements

  • Straightforward setup process

  • Ability to control roster data sharing

  • Seamless single sign-on for users

  • Supports OneRoster standard for interoperability

  • Provides detailed usage analytics and reporting

  • Offers robust role-based permissions

Considerations:

  • Requires existing ClassLink subscription

  • May require additional configuration for custom data fields

  • Pathful does not support using ClassLink rostering without its associated OAuth SSO

  • Pathful does not support mixing ClassLink with any other SSO or rostering methods

  • ClassLink implementations do not leverage the ClassLink REST API, as it is not supported at this time

3. Canvas/LTI

Method: Canvas LTI Based SSO facilitated through Canvas login as configured by the administrator.Important Note:

We support SSO only with Canvas — rostering is not supported.

Advantages:

  • User’s accounts are provisioned upon initial successful login

  • Straightforward setup process

  • Seamless single sign-on for users

  • Leverages IMS Global LTI standards for secure data exchange

Considerations:

  • Troubleshooting responsibilities primarily rest with the partner

  • Requires Canvas administrator access for initial configuration

  • Integration updates may be needed when Canvas undergoes version changes

  • User accounts are created upon successful authentication, not before

  • Should not have manually created users, and cannot have separate rostering configured

4. Google/SAML

Method: Account information is imported through OU Mapping, utilising SSO via Google login.

Advantages:

  • Straightforward setup and initial configuration for SSO and rostering

  • Leverages existing Google Workspace user management

  • Familiar authentication experience for users already using Google services

  • Organisational Unit (OU) structure provides flexible grouping options

  • SAML protocol offers enhanced security features

Considerations:

  • Certificate expiration monitoring is necessary to maintain uninterrupted application access

  • Requires Google Workspace administrative privileges

  • Organisational Unit structure must align with desired roster groupings

  • Changes to Google Workspace directory structure may require reconfiguration

  • Best suited for institutions already heavily invested in Google ecosystem

  • Google rostering is based on OUs, with Pathful licences mapped to specific OUs in the customer's workspace

  • Roles within the platform are also determined by OU in Google rostering

  • If the customer's OU structure is compatible, we can also map user's grade level by OU

5. Bulk Upload

Method: Partner Success Managers provide a CSV template for designated school staff to input student data, which is then directly uploaded to the platform.

Advantages:

  • Efficient solution for smaller institutions with limited user numbers

  • No dependency on third-party integration systems

  • Provides complete control over data formatting and timing of updates

  • Minimal technical infrastructure requirements

  • Can be suitable for pilots or limited deployments

  • Allows for custom data fields that might not be supported in automated systems

Considerations:

  • Potential for data entry errors during the rostering process

  • Ongoing maintenance required for roster updates (adding new students, removing withdrawn students, managing class transfers)

  • More labor-intensive than automated methods

  • May require regular scheduled updates to maintain data accuracy

  • Lacks real-time synchronization capabilities

  • Requires clear internal processes for maintaining data accuracy

Additional Integration Options

For institutions with specific needs, we also offer integration capabilities with:

  • Azure/SAML: Ideal for Microsoft-centric environments with Azure Active Directory

  • ADFS/SAML: Provides on-premises Active Directory Federation Services integration

  • Blackboard LMS: Supports both modern and legacy Blackboard environments

  • Moodle-based LMS: Compatible with various Moodle derivatives including Blackboard Open LMS

Implementation Support

We recognize that implementation needs vary across institutions. If you have alternative rostering requirements or preferences not covered here, our team is available to discuss additional options and identify potential solutions that align with your specific circumstances.

Our implementation specialists can provide:

  • Technical consultation to determine the optimal integration approach

  • Step-by-step guidance during the integration process

  • Documentation and training for your technical and administrative staff

  • Ongoing support for integration maintenance and troubleshooting

Contact: sso@pathful.com