Re: [info-tech] JMC

[Jackie Fonley]

I apologize in advance for the lengthiness: (not really, but it sounds good) :-) Background info for what we've implemented: We are implementing the same this year elementary wide.  We have been using/purchasing JMC K-12 for the past two years--our 3rd-5th used it regually as a gradebook--lower levels not as much; however KDG used it as a "database" to record test scores and print off comparison reports.  Last year they just printed off a report card similar to what the MS/HS ones looked like; our 3rd grade and I messed around with the standards and benchmark gradebook for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and mid-term reporting.  It worked great, and by word of mouth the computer savvy teachers in the other grade levels were wanting to use it.  I sat down with each of the grade levels and we "designed/revamped the old" and drafted what the progress report should look like.  This week I will be setting up the progress report for our K-5 so it is ready to be used next week. That said: The upper grade levels actually keep track of scores, etc.  When you go in and establish your standards/benchmarks, etc., you can tie in scores from the gradebook to a particular standard/benchmark and it will calculate scores for each one based upon performance as recorded in the gradebook.  That was a big sell, as the program would import markings and teachers could "override" if the need arose.  That was a big sell (easier than filling in manually for each standard/benchmark), as was the fact that you could enter a mark and then "fill" for all the other students.  (Ex.:  works well independently--not really a grade per se in the gradebook, but under the standards and benchmarks module I could enter an "+" for the first student, click the fill button and every student had a "+"--again, I could manually go back and change those who needed a different mark.  Being a HS teacher (and actually having a student in KDG), I learned that scoring/grading works a little differently at the lower levels--much more subjective than how I record grades.  The on-line module is nice in the upper grades--but with so many more unit type themes at the lower levels, the K-3 teachers used the web page to share what skills they will be working on for the month -vs- using JMC.  We began doing classroom web pages to share curriculum work, pictures, etc.  It worked pretty well.  (In our opinion it was easier to post once for all sections of each class than to create more work for each teacher to be listing the same thing every week/day, etc.)  I think it is essential with this level to sell the fact this can be done via the computer AT HOME or AT SCHOOL, no more need to carry around papers, wait for the PE teacher to get their grades done and then on to the art teacher, etc (or for the special education teacher to fill in the reading grade).  Each person can get it done on THEIR TIME by the deadline, submit and the office will print off and you pass out (and they don't have to mess with the attendance, as all that gets pulled from the office as well).  Also, I would downplay the "standards and benchmarks"--those terms seem to turn people off right away (myself included)--I emphasized this was what JMC coded these as for us to create the option to incorporate elementaries.   I'll stop my rambling, if anyone would like additional information/assistance let me know and I'll be glad to help anyway I can!  Have a great school year! -Jackie Jackie Fonley Technology Director HS Social Studies Teacher Algona Community School District 200 N Phillips Algona, IA  50511 515-295-7207 (Phone) 515-295-9273 (Fax) [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Aug 13, 2006, at 11:46 AM, johnsont wrote: This week I need to inform our K-3 staff that parents will be accessing K-12 student grades via JMC on our school webpage.  I recall some conversations on the list-serve regarding this topic. We recently created and adopted a standards and benchmarks report card that the Parents/Staff really like. Any suggestions on where to start and/or would anyone be willing to help us get started?  The staff has NO experience with JMC at this point. Preparing all students to become successful, well-educated contributors to society. Tamela J. Johnson, Ass't. Administrator Newell-Fonda Community School 205 S. Clark Newell, Iowa  50568 Phone: 712.272.3324 Fax:  712.272.4276 --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus on the server aea8.k12.ia.us] --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us/ --------------------------------------------------------- --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by the algona.k12.ia.us server.]