Sorting and Display Order of Behavior Fields in openSIS

Sorting and Display Order of Behavior Fields in openSIS

Overview

In openSIS, Sort Order controls the sequence in which behavior fields appear on the Behavior Incident form. Proper ordering helps staff enter information efficiently and ensures that critical fields are noticed first.

This article explains how sorting works and how administrators should configure it.

What Is Sort Order?

Sort Order is a numeric value assigned to each behavior field that determines its position on the behavior incident form.

  • Fields with lower numbers appear first

  • Fields with higher numbers appear later

  • Fields are displayed in ascending order

Where Sort Order Applies

Sort Order affects:

  • The Add Behavior Incident form

  • The Edit Behavior Incident screen

  • The overall flow of data entry for staff

How Sort Order Works

Example:

Field Name
Sort Order
Display Position
Date of Incident
1
First
Location
2
Second
Problem Behavior
3
Third
Details of Incident
10
Later

If two fields have the same sort order, the system follows its internal sequence.

How to Update Sort Order

  1. Go to Settings → Behavior → Behavior Fields

  2. Select the behavior field

  3. Click Edit Item

  4. Update the Sort Order value

  5. Click Update

Changes apply immediately to new behavior entries.

Best Practices for Sort Order

  • Place critical fields first (date, student, behavior type)

  • Group related fields together

  • Avoid large gaps unless intentional

  • Keep sort values simple (1, 2, 3…) for easy maintenance

Important Notes

  • Sort Order does not affect historical records

  • Changing order does not delete or modify data

  • Sort Order applies system-wide