EDUC 5203 CORRINA TATTRIE MARCH 2014 Student Information Systems (SIS)

Topic of Interest: The impact of web based student information systems on the teachers and the effect on communication between teachers and students and parents.

Making the Switch Then Now WinSchool PowerSchool GradeBook TIENET What are the benefits of having a web-based student information system?

Change Over Time What was... WinSchool Required Server Access, not web-based Teacher and Administrative use only Generic Comment Bank Required a paper-trail What is... PowerSchool What may be possible... PowerSchool

The Implementation Process Timeline: Outlining the Nova Scotia Department of Education’s implementation process

Nova Scotia Department of Education

Change Over Time What was... WinSchool What is... PowerSchool Web-based, Accessible with internet connection Province-wide Integration Orientation and Training Student/Parent Portal Exploring Possibilities What may be possible... PowerSchool

SIS – PowerSchool

PowerSchool PowerSchool is a web based portal system that teachers can use to do many things, including: - Record attendance - Access student demographic information - View student schedules - Manage a web-based GradeBook - Program planning- using TIENET -Accommodations/ Individualized Program Plans (IPPs)

Current Status In all Nova Scotia Schools (as of Winter 2014): PowerSchool is used (attendance, demographics, GradeBook) TIENET is used (Program planning and behavior records) Student –Parent Portal is available Provincial Report Cards are being used

Current Status In some schools: Outcomes are linked to assessment Achievement Levels are used for reporting Behavior reports are linked to student-parent portal Provincial assessment records are in PowerSchool

Accessing Teacher Records: Students and Parents are able to access the portal and track student achievement and attendance Administrative Staff can monitor what is happening in class, and look at current marks DOE is able to access program and information anytime anywhere.

How are Teachers Adapting? The impact of web based student information systems on the teachers... Your Experience - Group Discussion Activity

Topics can include, but should not be limited to:  Orientation, Training, Support Systems  Expanding the use of Gradebook  Expectations/ Deadlines Attendance Publishing Options Student and Parent Portal Linking Assessments to Outcomes Provincial Report Cards/Comment bank

Public Perception PowerSchool in the Media Article Analysis – Group Discussion Activity

Change Over Time What was... WinSchool What is... PowerSchool What may be possible... PowerSchool Further Training Expanding the use and Expectations DOE Supervision/Regulations

PowerSchool Integration Consider: 1. Progress made expanding the use of PowerSchool 2. Areas in need of improvement. 3. Where support is required. Personal Progress Report - Self Assessment Activity

PowerSchool Integration Consider: 1. Progress made expanding the use of PowerSchool 2. Areas in need of improvement. 3. Where support is required. Personal Progress Report - Self Assessment Activity

Student – Parent Portal Consider: The effect on communication between teachers and students/parents. Student-Parent Portal offers access to: -Attendance -Due Dates -Achievement Results -Provincial Assessment Results

Effective Classroom Practices Consider:  Planning  Assessment  Evaluation and Reporting  Support Structures Effective Classroom Practices - Collaboration Activity

Effective Classroom Practices Classroom PracticesUsing ParentTeacher - GradebookSupports Required Planning Ex. Develop annually, unit, and weekly plans to ensure that my students are given the opportunity to show evidence of learning. -Organize yearly plans and Unit plans for each course -Clearly communicate purpose and expectations -Use bins to organize assessments according to Unit -Ensure weight settings reflect the assessment value On-Site time should be given at staff meetings and in-services to collaborate with others.

Effective Classroom Practices Consider:  Planning  Assessment  Evaluation and Reporting  Support Structures Tracking Student Achievement Increasing Parent Communication Using PowerTeacher-Gradebook TIENET

Take Home Ideas: In the process of implementing Effective Classroom Practices, teachers are encouraged to: Prepare a balanced Assessment Plan Inform students of purpose and expectations Provide opportunities for students to show evidence Hold students accountable Report most consistent achievements