EDUCATION NEWS & NOTES Software Lets Parents Follow Students’ Progress

(NAPSI)--Technology in today’s schools takes many forms. In addition to computers in the classroom--as teaching tools, research resources and test-taking equipment--technology also makes it possible for parents to keep abreast of their children’s educational progress. When schools implement certain Web-based student information systems (SIS), parents can be engaged with teachers and school administrators, gaining insight into their child’s progress in real time. As a result, report cards aren’t a surprise and both students and parents are engaged in the outcome. The ultimate goal of SIS programs is individualized learning--ensuring that the talents of each student are maximized and that individual challenges are overcome. While teachers remain at the heart of this goal, technology is an enabler. According to a recent survey, 96 percent of U.S. parents with children in grades K-12 would take advantage of online access to their child’s performance information, and 99 percent would like the opportunity to become more involved beginning in middle school in order to have a positive impact on their child’s academic performance in high school. Implementing the appropriate technology infrastructure is critical in the future success of today’s schools and districts. Information systems are the framework through which schools and districts are able to share information and access the latest technologies. When these systems are in place, parents report better communication, academic improvement and increased student responsibility. One of the most popular SIS programs is PowerSchool Premier, developed by Pearson--currently used by more than 10,000 schools in 49 states. Another, Pearson’s SMS, is the only Web-based student information system designed to meet the unique needs of larger, urban K-12 districts. These systems benefit all the educational constituency groups: • Parents and students--Students have access to lessons, notes and progress while parents are able to become more involved in their child’s education, learning about grades, attendance, assignments, teacher comments, etc. • Teachers--Automates time-consuming tasks such as grading, streamlines administrative activities and allows immediate and automated communication of student progress with parents and students. • Administrators--Provides the range of features needed by administrators at the district and school level. To learn more and to download the full survey results, visit www.pearsonschoolsystems.com. With many schools using student information software, parents and students are increasingly able to leverage the Internet to track academic progress and impact achievement.

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