WSLS: CSV Tips

1. The CSV and XML files used within the WSLS have specified file layouts. For detailed information on the layouts and the file name structure of CSV files, refer to the CSV Interface Specifications, http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/wsnspec.html. This is an example of a valid district level CSV file body with 2 schools with 2 students each for the Locate/Assign process.

   "01","11-10-2003 13:00:05 CST","00001","0001"

   "02","0002"

   "03","","JOHN","E","DOE","JR","01/01/1989","M","B", "Y", "ABC123","123456789" "09/01/2003", "","","MADISON","WI","JONATHAN","","DOE","","F","JAMES","K", "DOE","M","JANE","","DOE"
   

   "03","","AMY","","SMITH","","02/01/1990","F","I","Y","ABC456","","","","", "MONONA","WI","","","","","G","AMANDA","","SMITH","","","",""

   "02","0004"

   "03","","JAMES","D","SMITH","JR","12/01/1999","M","B","Y","DDF123","999567898" "09/01/2003","","","MADISON","WI","JAKE","","","","F","JAMES","K", " SMITH","M","JANE","","SMITH"

   "03","","JOAN","G","CAIN","","02/23/1990","F","B","Y","ABC4E3","","","","", "MONONA","WI","","","","","G","LESLIE","","JONES","","","",""

   "04","EOF"

2. Spreadsheet software has been known to change the formatting of the file, if you use the software to save the CSV file. Such changes include striping the double quotes and removing leading zeroes.
   • You may create a custom format to maintain the leading zeroes in the school code. Refer to the following link for instructions: Opening CSV File in Excel. To maintain the leading zeroes in dates, format the column as MM/DD/YYYY.
   • Double quotes are referenced in the CSV Locate/Assign Interface Specifications and are preferred. WSLS code was changed mid-summer 2004 to accept CSV files without double quotes so will now work.
3. Word processing software has been known to change and/or append to the file extension of the CSV file. The file type should be shown as Comma Separated Value (CSV). If the file type appears as Text (TXT), you must correct the file extension.
4. You must include the comma separator for every element even if the element is blank. An extra or missing comma may result in missing data errors when the value is present in the record, but in the wrong position.
5. The '01' (district) and '02' (school) records have far fewer comma separated elements than the '03' (student) record. Do not include extra commas to make the records contain the same number of elements.
6. You may submit a district level file designated with 0000 in the school position of the file name, but within the body of the file you must list each school by it's four digit code as an '02' record followed by '03' records for each student in that school.
7. The use of invalid characters, http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/isesfaq3.html#files4, may result in an XML error. The WSLS application converts CSV files to XML files prior to processing. The most common invalid character is the ampersand which is often found in the guardian first name field when both parents are stored in a single field in the local SIS. The parent names should be provided as two separate guardians.
8. File upload is allowed for multiple processes within the WSLS. You must use the proper file layout and the associated file name identifier according to the process you intend to complete.

See also:
Frequently Asked Questions - Technical Issues

Submit questions, comments and suggestions about the WSLS or ISES to 24x7 DPI Online Helpdesk Application or call 800-507-5744

Last updated on 7/21/2010 9:11:25 AM