From Karen Cook, admin, at White Plains Public Schools:
I hope all is well. I'm reaching out because I'm working with a new teacher and we are really taking the time to learn how to utilize the Entry requirements to inform instruction and point allocation.
Although SchoolPace has so much to offer, it is a cumbersome tool because of all of the redundancy in how to assign points and how to navigate through classes and strands of instruction.
With the advances in technology and coding, I'm wondering: when a teacher initially levels a student (especially in 1B - 2R/WT), why can't the program take the data from the word lists, and automatically generate a point allocation based on the child's mastery/need in the given strand. THEN, the tool could offer direct suggestions for instructional foci for the teacher, as well as specific high leverage power goals for the child.
I know that all of this is there - but it is a long, laborious process to get there. When I use platforms developed by other educational groups, the process is more streamlined and straightforward, thus, teachers are happier and more willing to use the tool. In my years here, I've noticed a continuing avoidance around assigning points to students and, although I'm not a programmer, I know that these things are possible.
Please note, my observations and suggestions/wonderings are coming from a place of wanting teachers to be able to utilize all that SchoolPace has to offer and hearing similar frustrations from my colleagues. You've always said to reach out with suggestions, so...here you are 🙂
Best,
Karen
