MIRS Training

As of January 2021, MIRS in-person training has been discontinued due to the pandemic.  In-person training included two MIRS training programs: the MIRS Initial Training and the MIRS Refresher/Intermediate Training.  In lieu of in-person training, MIRS eLearning Modules have been created to represent the Initial and Refresher/Intermediate programs.  The MIRS Refresher/Intermediate Training is now referred to as MIRS Advanced Training.

MIRS training is designed to provide trainees with the knowledge and skills required to access the MIRS Database, write procedures, and execute procedures.

While watching the MIRS eLearning Modules does not have any prerequisites, it is recommended that you complete the following steps to best prepare for a complete learning experience:

1. Complete a minimum of six months in personnel experience. Trainees who lack six months of personnel experience may have difficulty with the subject matter discussed in the modules.
2. Gain access to MIRS
   1. Complete an original Statement of Understanding (PSD-108) and Security Authorization form (PSD-125A) and have your department’s Security Monitor submit the forms to the SCO Decentralized Security Administration (DSA).
3. Receive and complete the MIRS Checklist
   1. The MIRS Consultants will send new users the MIRS Checklist as confirmation that access to MIRS has been granted. Please complete the checklist before watching the eLearning Modules.

You are now ready to watch the MIRS eLearning Modules. However, considering the complexity of the material covered in the modules, you can also attend a virtual MIRS Overview before, during, or after watching the modules to assist with understanding the concepts.

4. Optional: Attend a MIRS Overview
   1. The MIRS Overview is available for you to gain insight into basic procedure writing and navigating the MIRS system.
   2. The virtual training is a 2-hour session via Microsoft Teams, hosted by a MIRS Consultant.
   3. There is no limit to how many MIRS users may attend a MIRS Overview from your department.
   4. Attendees may be new or experienced MIRS users.
   5. To schedule a MIRS Overview, contact the MIRS Consultants at ppsdMIRS@sco.ca.gov.
   6. A MIRS Overview will cover:
      1. Vocabulary Terms
      2. MIRS Update Schedule
      3. MIRS Handbook
      4. Creating a Basic Procedure
      5. Procedure Writing Demonstration in MIRS
      6. Executing a Procedure
      7. Downloading a Procedure to Excel

The following MIRS eLearning Modules are available to watch for the purpose of learning how to navigate the MIRS system, write basic and complex MIRS procedures, discern which MIRS File(s) to use when writing procedures, and how to execute procedures.

The modules are listed in the order best fit to watch beginning to end for a new user. However, please feel free to jump to any module that best meets your training needs. Please click on the course link of your choice below to begin.

Your feedback is valuable to us. Once you have completed a module, please take a few moments to complete the corresponding module evaluation and/or provide your comments or feedback to ppsdMIRS@sco.ca.gov.

MIRS Initial eLearning Modules

• Module 1: MIRS File Descriptions – FD (Run time: Approximately 52 minutes): Details the fieldnames and file information available in each MIRS file.

Provide feedback for module 1 here: Module 1 Evaluation.

• Module 2: Navigating the MIRS System (Run time: Approximately 34 minutes): Introduces MIRS screens, and copying reports; includes instructions on how to copy to and from the Common Library, as well as how to use and PF Keys and Commands.

Provide feedback for module 2 here: Module 2 Evaluation.

• Module 3: MIRS Procedure Overview (Run time: Approximately 1 hour 9 minutes): Presents Update Schedule details, how to write procedures to create a report, how to navigate within a procedure and a report, how and when to invoke the FOCUS Environment, and common error messages.

Provide feedback for module 3 here: Module 3 Evaluation. 

• Module 4: MIRS Procedure Writing – Verbs, Formats, & By Phrases (Run time: Approximately 28 minutes): Guidance on basic procedure writing, including verbs (PRINT, SUM, and COUNT), field formats, and sorting data output with By Phrases.

Provide feedback for module 4 here: Module 4 Evaluation. 

• Module 5: MIRS Procedure Writing – Selecting Records (Run time: Approximately 37 minutes): Explains Where Phrases, including single and multiple selection criteria, as well as when to use a Record Limit.

Provide feedback for module 5 here: Module 5 Evaluation.

• Module 6: MIRS Procedure Writing – Customizations (Run time: Approximately 38 minutes): Identifies the various options for customizing a MIRS procedure, such as using totals, headings, footings, changing titles, date and time variables, reformatting fieldnames, and skipping lines.

Provide feedback for module 6 here: Module 6 Evaluation.

MIRS Advanced eLearning Modules (Coming Soon!)

• Module 7: MIRS Procedure Writing – Defines: Details how to create a new field with a Define, the various types of Defines, and how to add a Define to a procedure.
• Module 8: MIRS Procedure Writing – Prompts:  Explains the purpose of Prompts and how they relate to the FOCUS Environment. Describes single and multiple Prompts in basic procedures, Defines, headings and footings.
• Module 9: MIRS Procedure Writing – Match Procedures: Describes how to create a Match procedure and how to include Defines and Prompts in Match Procedures.