Yes. PowerSchool is our Student Information System (SIS) and will continue to be used throughout the district. The table below gives information on the functions of each system.
PowerSchool (SIS)
|
Canvas (LMS)
|
- Attendance
- Grades
- Historical Grades
- Transcripts
- Demographics
- Courses
- Schedule
- Report Cards
- Enrollment
|
- Course Calendar
- Assignments
- Grades on assignments submitted in Canvas (which pass back over to PowerSchool)
- Class events
- Discussions
- Announcements
- Assessments
- Online learning tools
|
How is Canvas “better” for checking student learning?
PowerSchool excels at student information while Canvas is better for communicating student learning. For example, using Canvas, parents have the opportunity to see the assignments and other events teachers in ALL courses create in Canvas, all posted to ONE calendar. With many of those assignments, you can verify that your student did, in fact, submit work and even WHEN it was submitted. You can also see the assignment directions and expectations. You will also be able to view future assignments posted on Canvas.
What do I need to do now?
If you have any children at the high school, you should become a Parent Observer for each child's Canvas account. As teachers begin using Canvas more and more, you'll find it of increasing value. If you have a child at one of the middle schools and any of your child's teachers are using Canvas, you should also become a Parent Observer.
What does Canvas offer for Parents?
Just like PowerSchool, Canvas allows parents to set up notifications and offers a way to check your student’s learning on a mobile platform. Canvas makes it easier for students and parents to communicate with teachers. Currently, the best method for keeping track of your student’s grades and learning in Canvas is via full web browser or mobile browser.
PLEASE NOTE: You must obtain a pairing code from a student account in order to become an Observer. See the
Canvas Parent Observer Setup instructions.
Canvas will give parents an everyday overview of their child's learning interactions, including calendars, newsletters, assignments, grades, submissions, and assessments.
Note: Parents can use their Canvas Parent Observer account login information to log into the Canvas Parent App on mobile devices, but they cannot use the Canvas Parent App to access Canvas on the web.
How do you become a parent observer?
What is an Observer role in Canvas?
Observers have limited permissions that allow them to see what is going on in a course and a calendar of assignments. Like students, Observers cannot view a course until it is published and the course has started. For assistance with Assignments, Test Dates, Quizzes, or other Canvas course content, please contact your child’s teacher.
What can Parents view in Canvas as an Observer?
Below are the features available to Parents. Please note that not all courses use all features.
- Set your Notifications
- View the Dashboard
- View the course Syllabus
- View prompts but not participate in Discussions
- View but not submit Assignments
- Preview and download some Files
- View the Modules Page
- View Canvas Grades (web only; not in mobile app)
- View the Calendar
- Communicate with the teacher
How do I adjust how many Canvas Notifications I get?
Parents can adjust Canvas Notifications. From your Canvas Dashboard:
- Click on Account
- Click on Notifications
- Set the frequency of the different Canvas Notifications throughout the school year as the need arises.
How do I download and set up the Canvas Parent App on my mobile device?

NOTE: Only download the Canvas Parent App
after you have created your Observer account as shown above. You will use your Observer login information by clicking on “Login with Canvas.”
The Canvas Parent App enhances the potential for parents to engage in their student's education. Parents can review upcoming or past assignments, check on grades, and receive course announcements.
However, currently the online parent observer accounts allows parents to see the most detailed overview of their student’s academic life.
Parents are encouraged to use the Observer account on a full or mobile web browser whenever possible. The Canvas (Orange/Red) app found in the different app stores is intended for students and teachers. Parents should be sure to use the Canvas Parent app. The Canvas Parent app has a different set of notification options than the online observer.
After you've already created an Observer account as shown earlier, download the Canvas Parent app from the
Apple App Store and/or the
Google Play Store on your smartphone. Search for "Canvas Parent" and install the app.
After installing the app, run it and:
- Tap Log in with Canvas
- Search for Bartlesville
- Tap Add Student
- Search for Bartlesville
- Enter your student's username and password
Should parents create a Canvas Parent App account and a Canvas Observer online account?
No, a parent should only create a Parent Observer account at
bartlesville.instructure.com and click on "Login with Canvas" in the Canvas Parent App. Do NOT create a new account.
Can I view multiple children on one Canvas Parent Account?
Yes, On the Web Observer account, you will see "Observing" under your personal settings and the option to add another child.
(With the Canvas Parent App for mobile devices, you can add another child by clicking on the gear icon and pressing the "+" sign.)
TIP: Customizing the dashboardCanvas offers users many ways to customize their Dashboard. Click on the link below for more details:
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-4431 TIP: Use colors and nicknamesColor code each child's course title or give each course a nickname to help distinguish each child's courses.
What if I forgot my Canvas Parent account password?