Schoology FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Families
General Questions
What is Schoology and why was it selected?
Schoology is a Learning Management System (LMS) used to bring together materials and resources for learning. Using an LMS helps to prepare students for post-secondary learning as most universities, colleges, and vocational/technical schools use an LMS for communication and course content.
Schoology was selected by Polk County Schools to provide a uniform experience for students across elementary, middle, and high schools. It is easily accessible from computers, iPads, and smart phones and works with our student information system, Focus. For teachers, Schoology provides tools for course management, assignment grading and feedback, and communication with students. School administrators can use Schoology to send announcements to students and teachers, and can access usage analytics to monitor learning resources throughout the school.
What grade levels will use Schoology?
All grades, K-12, will use Schoology to support the learning environment and classroom. Using Schoology in all grades will better ensure that every student is familiar with this learning platform and provide a place for continuous, high-quality instruction in any format.
Will teachers still be able to meet with students and parents in Schoology?
Currently, Microsoft Teams is available within Schoology for teachers to schedule online meetings with individual students and classes. Parents/guardians can also be invited to a Microsoft Teams meeting using a personal email address.
How do you pronounce "Schoology"?
This is one of the most common questions asked about Schoology! It is pronounced "SKOOL'-uh-gee;" emphasis on "School."
Students
How do students access Schoology?
Students access Schoology through their ClassLink page. If prompted, sign in using your PCPS computer username and password. Please note that over the summer, teachers are preparing their courses for the new school year. Students will have access once school is in session.
What kinds of class materials will be in Schoology?
Depending on the student's selected learning choice (in-school or e-learning), teachers will use Schoology in many ways. Some examples of the types of activities students will be expected to complete in Schoology are:
Course content for learning: readings from your textbook, online resources, and related articles.
Videos to support understanding of subject area content.
Knowledge checks and quizzes.
Show what you know and understand using online documents such as Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and Google Slides.
Links and instructions to access content-specific applications such as Reading Wonders, Freckle, Edgenuity, StemScopes, etc.
Opportunities to respond using video and audio in Schoology.
Opportunities to work collaboratively with classmates.
How often should I check Schoology?
If attending school at your zoned school site, your teacher will instruct you when and how often to check Schoology. Every student must access Schoology at the beginning of the school year to ensure he or she has access should school transition to distance learning during the school year. If you are unable to access Schoology, please contact your classroom teacher as soon as possible.
My grade in Focus is different than in Schoology. Which is correct?
Focus is the gradebook of record for grades and attendance. If your assignment grade in Schoology is different than what appears in Focus, please see your teacher as there are situations when assignments can be graded in Focus and not be assigned in Schoology. If your grades are different, the Focus grade is your official grade and will be used to calculate your overall class grade.
Where do I go for help if I need help with using Schoology?
Please contact your teacher first if you are having any issues with accessing your learning materials in Schoology. This will ensure that your teacher knows about the issue in a timely manner so you can return to learning as quickly as possible.
Parents
Will parents/guardians be able to access Schoology?
Focus will continue to be the official record for student grades and attendance, accessed through the Parent Portal. Parents/guardians new to Parent Portal can get information on how to access Parent Portal using the link below, and should contact their child's school for additional information. Parents may view assigned materials in Schoology only with their student once they have logged in to the course.
Where do I go for help if my student is struggling with using Schoology?
Please contact your child's teacher first if your child is having any issues with accessing learning materials on Schoology. This will ensure that your teacher knows about the issue in a timely manner so that your child can return to learning as quickly as possible.