PDE Launches Electronic Student Transcripts and Records System

In an effort to provide additional support to the Commonwealth’s PK-20 education system, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has contracted with Parchment Inc. to implement the Pennsylvania Electronic Student Transcripts And Records System (PA eSTARS), a statewide network for schools to exchange student records and transcripts at all grade levels, including postsecondary education.  

This unified digital system has the potential to increase schools’ operational efficiencies and provide Commonwealth schools safer and faster access to complete student records — essential at the preK-12 level for ensuring that students are placed into the correct classes and receive the supports they need to thrive.  

At the postsecondary level, Parchment’s Docufide platform facilitates the quick and confidential delivery of transcripts to admissions offices and notifies students that their applications are received and their coursework is applied to their program of study.

Nearly 1,000 local education agencies (LEA) and institutions of higher education (IHE) in Pennsylvania are eligible to benefit from this voluntary initiative. A federal grant awarded to PDE will be used to cover the initial implementation costs for eligible schools that sign up prior to July 1, 2013. Once enrolled, participating schools will receive a reduced rate on student transcript fees and access to free student records exchange for the duration of their contracts. Over the coming weeks, Parchment will be contacting you directly with instructions on how you can participate in this grant opportunity.

For additional information about PA eSTARS, please contact PAeSTARS@parchment.com.